THE 100 BEST NEW HOTELS OF THE YEAR

HOTELS BY CATEGORY

1 HOTEL COPENHAGEN

This opening marks 1 Hotels' debut in continental Europe, and it could not have chosen a more fitting city. Copenhagen’s devotion to design and sustainability is captured through a serene, nature-led aesthetic at 1 Hotel Copenhagen , set within a 1928 functionalist building in the city’s historic Latin Quarter. Inside, reclaimed wood and natural stone juxtapose the greenery climbing over terraces and spilling into courtyards. Away from the city’s concrete and sounds, the scent of herbs drifts through the air and light pours in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the 282 guest rooms, locally made ceramics, woven rugs, and Bamford bath products set a tone of quiet comfort. Every detail—like yoga mats and Danish-made Gro juice stored in the rooms—feels intentional. The local environment is apparent in many ways, from repurposed furniture and energy-efficient systems, to collaborations with Copenhagen-based beekeepers and community partners, and even artisan-led workshops. This is most evident at Fjora, the signature restaurant led by acclaimed chef Chantelle Nicholson. Here, seasonal produce and low-waste cooking define a menu of imaginative Nordic flavors. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $340. — Nicole Kavander

1 HOTEL MELBOURNE

Melburnians have long shrugged at the Yarra—the river that built the city, ferried its goods, and is now a backdrop for morning walks and bike rides. 1 Hotel Melbourne asks us to look again, recasting the waterway as the city’s true center. The brand’s first Australian outpost inhabits the heritage building Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne’s last surviving port shed. Instead of concealing its rough bones, it exalts them: steel trusses, bluestone walls, salvaged doors, and even a restored 1942 Malcolm Moore crane stand as anchors to place and time, while more than 7,000 plants spill from balconies and corridors, softening its industrial bones. As with every 1 Hotel, sustainability is the organizing principle. Small but radically conscious touches are found in the guest rooms: headboards of salvaged timber, moss panels framed like living artworks, shower timers, and even a charity wardrobe (leave a piece, pass it on). The wellness floor—featuring an indoor pool with sweeping city views, a thermal spa, Finnish sauna, and steam room—is the undeniable headliner. With the convention center next door and the CBD just a short stroll away, it’s perfectly pitched for both business and leisure. Here, heritage and innovation work in tandem to make the Yarra, once again, the headliner of the city. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $312. — Alli Forde

25HOURS HOTEL THE OLYMPIA SYDNEY

After years of being mummified in scaffolding on Oxford Street, the former West Olympia Theatre has reemerged as 25hours Hotel The Olympia , a riotously fun, high-voltage new entrant to Sydney’s hotel scene. The brand’s first Australian outpost is set on Oxford Street—with its longstanding tangle of nightlife, queerness, rebellion, theater, politics, and fashion—which has long served as one of the city’s great cultural arteries. The Olympia is now absorbing this collective energy like a live wire. Its Edwardian façade and lantern-like corner portico have been carefully restored, a pleasing contrast to the immersive, maximalist interiors that 25hours pulls off so well. Inside, the hotel’s past life as a cinema lives on through the check-in desk doubling as a retro video rental counter, and the quirky collection of VHS tapes stocked on the lobby shelves. The 109 guest rooms are divided into Dreamers and Renegades—the former are awash in color and whimsy, while the latter lean moodier with a heady dose of drama. My room, outfitted with a round bed and a freestanding tub, edged into Austin Powers territory—outrageous in theory, wildly practical in reality (especially with the tub offering an impeccable sightline to the TV). The entertainment continues at Monica—an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with DJ booth, skyline views, and a faint whiff of 1960s Hollywood. What ultimately distinguishes The Olympia is that it doesn’t aspire to serenity or minimalism; it wants to entertain you, distract you, derail your plans, and then deposit you back in your room sometime after midnight. And if that evening ends the way mine did—with room service and TV watched from a large round bathtub—well, that’s just smashing , baby. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $399. —Alli Forde

A MANDRIA DI MURTOLI, SARTÈNE, CORSICA

Surrounded by citrus and olive trees, and designed to feel like a small village, the newest member of Southern Corsica’s celebrated Domaine de Murtoli family offers luxury at a more accessible price point. A Mandria di Murtoli’s 10 rooms and suites, varying in size, are spread across multiple restored stone buildings, connected by winding paths. During my visit, I stayed in the Nucciola suite—one of three barn-and-stable suites each with its own private plunge pool. 

In addition to the many excursions available, including horseback riding, hiking with a local guide, and kayaking, an afternoon is well-spent around A Mandria’s large, glittering pool overlooking the Ortolo Valley. Guests also have unfettered access to the whole of the Domaine de Murtoli estate, including its restaurants, a Kyle Phillips-designed golf course, and Plage d'Erbaju, a pristine stretch of sand positioned where the Ortolo River reaches the turquoise sea. Take breaks from the sun with a massage set to the soundtrack of gentle waves in one of the two open-air treatment rooms, or enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood at La Table de la Plage. For me, the perfect reset before dinner was a Negroni made with local Mattei Cap Corse Rouge and the Domaine’s own gin (distilled with aromatic herbs from the surrounding Corsican maquis or scrubland) at the Italian-influenced restaurant, L' Appuntamento. Another highlight is La Grotte, a traditional Corsican feast served family style in a spectacular candle-lit cave. In line with the Domaine’s commitment to sustainability, the restaurants use the estate’s own olive oil, cheese, eggs, meat, and honey, in addition to seasonal vegetables and herbs sourced from the sprawling organic farm or local producers. Doubles from $323. — Rebekah Peppler

ALIÉE ISTANBUL

Turkey’s most populous city has many great hotels, but this splashy spot proves a newcomer can still make its mark. The 99-room Aliée Istanbul sits along the Golden Horn, the harbor off the Bosporus that was once the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. The hotel’s towering stone walls date back more than 500 years, but its interiors are thoroughly of the times, with handmade kilim rugs and, in many suites and villas, copper-claskyld bathtubs. Visitors are flush with options, whether choosing a poolside lounger at the Aliée Swim Club—open only to members and guests—or reserving a table at any of the five restaurants. My top spots to dine: the red velvet–clad Mondaine de Pariso, a cabaret-style dinner theater, and Taste, with an open kitchen and just 18 seats. Essential to any stay is a full day at Well+, a 43,000-square-foot spa combining the latest biohacking and luxury skin care therapies with a traditional Turkish hammam. Doubles from $808 . — Jackie Caradonio

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AMAN NAI LERT BANGKOK

On paper, it shouldn't work: a hotel brand known for its Zen-like quiet, planted in the heart of one of Southeast Asia's most frenetic cities. But step inside the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , which opened in April of last year in the ritzy Phloen Chit district, and the din of downtown fades into a world of earth-toned interiors and whispery jazz. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Malaysia-based Denniston, the decor draws on the nearby Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, a century-old teakwood bungalow built by the late Nai Lert, one of Thailand's most prominent businessmen. The 52 suites, situated on floors 11 through 18 of a gleaming, 36-story tower, deliver wide-angle views over the seven-acre park and the surrounding cityscape. They're furnished with window-spanning daybeds, spa-like bathrooms, and art pieces—brass lotus leaves, temple-shaped wall panels—that nod to Nai Lert's legacy. Dining skews intimate and upscale, with an omakase counter and teppanyaki restaurant on the 19th floor, and Arva, Aman’s first-floor signature Italian concept, serving dishes like octopus carpaccio and house-made cacio e pepe . Wellness is just as indulgent, with a 16,145-square-foot spa offering everything from vitamin IV drips to day-long retreats in a private “spa house.” On the ninth floor, a serene outdoor swimming pool proves that even amidst the hum of Bangkok, Aman knows how to turn down the volume. Doubles from $1,400. — Chris Schalkx

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AMAN ROSA ALPINA, SAN CASSIANO, ITALY

Ever since the Rosa Alpina opened nearly a century ago, it has been synonymous with the legendary hospitality of the family who owns it, the Pizzininis. So it came as a surprise when the beloved retreat, once a village parish house, announced a partnership with the luxury brand Aman . Following a down-to-the-studs renovation, the 51-room hotel mastered a complex contradiction: a cozy Alpine heritage living on through a grand, contemporary lens. The vision of acclaimed designer Jean-Michel Gathy is beautifully rendered in Il Salotto, the sleek lobby bar, with its regional touches like wool wall hangings, soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, and five fireplaces. While there are now four restaurants, a 65-foot outdoor infinity pool, and an 18,000-square-foot spa equipped with a hydrotherapy circuit, some things never change. Come evening, Mauro Rinaldo—the Alpina’s pianist of 25 years—taps a tune, while the Pizzininis mingle with guests dining on some of the area’s finest pizzas. Almost every inch of the building may have been transformed, but the family’s hospitality, warm and generous, remains. Doubles from $2,347. — Kelley Manley

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AMYTH OF NICOSIA, CYPRUS

Cyprus is known for its golden Mediterranean beaches, rural mountain villages, and ancient archaeological sites—but travelers now have a new reason to add Nicosia, the fascinating capital, to their itineraries. Amyth of Nicosia , the latest property from family-owned Cypriot hospitality group Thanos Hotels and Resorts, occupies a circa-1900 traditional mansion on a quiet corner in the southern half of the Old City, now painstakingly restored with many original elements left intact. The 10 rooms and suites have stylishly sparse furnishings, Acqua di Parma amenities, soaring ceilings, and large, blue-shuttered windows that let the clear Cypriot sunlight pour in; a few also include generous terraces, from which you can hear the bells of the 17th-century St. John’s Cathedral and the call to prayer from the 14th-century Omeriye Mosque, both nearby. In fact, many of Nicosia’s most important and intriguing sites are in walking distance: Amyth is located within the so-called Venetian Walls, the 16th-century fortifications built by the island’s onetime rulers in an attempt to defend against the eventual takeover by the Ottoman Empire. The hotel team can set up ways to get a deeper sense of this diverse and layered city, including archaeologist-led walking tours and textile workshops. After a day of exploring, join the local crowd at Amyth Kouzina, the ground-floor restaurant, where you can order both pan-Mediterranean and Cypriot-inspired dishes—brie-and-tomato baklava, arancini with lountza (cured pork loin). For a nightcap, order a brandy sour: the unofficial national cocktail, made with local brandy and the island’s juicy, aromatic Cypriot lemons. Doubles from $350. — Hannah Walhout

ANDBEYOND SUYIAN LODGE, LAIKIPIA, KENYA

On the roughly hour drive from Loisaba Airstrip in Kenya’s northern Laikipia region to andBeyond Suyian Lodge , I came across a dazzle of zebras, a herd of elephants, and a sounder of warthogs. Formerly a private ranch, the 44,000-acre Suyian Conservancy is now a conservation-focused wildlife corridor with 700 plant species, 325 bird species, and more than 100 mammals including the rare melanistic (black) leopard, reticulated giraffe, and African wild dog. The lodge's 14 suites have sculptural curves and grass-covered roofs that aim to blend the structures back into the surrounding rocks and indigenous plants. Suite interiors are spacious, a mix of wood and textured stone with oversized windows and multiple access points to outdoor terraces featuring private plunge pools. I adored the views from my outdoor terrace at sunrise, gazing at Mount Kenya in the distance with a cup of coffee in hand, before heading out on the first of two daily game drives. On the drives, guests can step outside the 4x4 open safari vehicles for guided nature walks or even head out on a horseback riding safari. Meals include seasonal and, whenever possible, local ingredients: vegetables come from local shambas (farms) and beef is sourced from the Suyian Conservancy. While the dining spaces are beautiful, my most notable bites and sips happened before, during, and after encounters in the wild: a waterside sundowner; a surprise dinner in the bush set up under the stars; and a mocha taken with a splash of Amarula liqueur on a morning game drive. $1,500 per person, all-inclusive. —Rebekah Peppler

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ARDBEG HOUSE, ISLE OF ISLAY, SCOTLAND

Admittedly, it takes some effort to reach Ardbeg House —a 12-room boutique hotel on the windswept, sea-sprayed Hebridean island of Islay off the coast of Scotland. I arrived in pitch-black darkness, instantly intrigued by the island’s air of myth and mystery. Known the world over for its peat-smoked whiskies, Ardbeg, which dates back to 1815, has long lured fans of drama, and the brand’s newest retreat is a modern homage and siren call to that legacy. Designed by Russell Sage Studio—the team behind Ardbeg’s visitor center and the hotel of sibling distillery Glenmorangie (an LVMH subsidiary)—the interiors are pure spectacle. Upon entering, it’s a mushroom-trip mashup of Victorian steampunk metalwork, Islay heritage, and more shades of green than the Emerald City. Each room is wholly unique, from the cinematic Monster, with its curtained four-post bed and black marble tub, to the burnt-orange Wee Beastie, where I stayed, filled with local art dedicated to the island’s own wee beasties (the midges), hiding drams of whisky for guests to find and drink.

The moody restaurant and intimate Islay Bar carry the same eccentricity. Expect warming Scottish fare of venison pies, sea trout, sticky date pudding, and an extraordinary whisky list, including house exclusives like the secret-recipe Badger Juice, only available on property. Set along the cold, deep waters of Islay’s village of Port Ellen, the hotel is well placed for long blustery walks along the Three Distilleries Pathway, which takes you to the island’s heavy hitters of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and, of course, Ardbeg. Doubles from $336. — Nicole Trilivas

AWASI SANTA CATARINA, GOVERNADOR CELSO RAMOS, BRAZIL

The bar to deliver out-of-the-box adventures tailored to every need keeps getting higher. Enter Awasi, a South America–based hotel brand with properties in far-flung locales including Iguazú, Argentina, and Chilean Patagonia. Like an African safari outfitter, Awasi trains its guides at the highest level; they, in turn, become your conduit to the region—shepherding guests on included (and meticulously curated) excursions. The brand’s latest outpost, Awasi Santa Catarina , on the southern coast of Brazil, is a brilliant immersion into marine life and local culture. My son, husband, and I spent our mornings fueling up on toast with passion fruit jam, hunks of fresh cheese, and scrambled eggs with delicate ham from the Serra Gaúcha region. Then, in the hands of our guides, Julia and Andrea, we surfed at nearby Palmas beach; snorkeled with sea turtles and sergeant majors among the granite rocks off Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve; and boated past historic forts and the humming city of Florianópolis to taste-test native species at an oyster farm. Wellness and relaxation are also top of mind: Awasi has a spectacular hillside infinity pool; an alchemy bar, where I made my own clay mask; and three soaking tubs, heated and chilled to optimize circulation. The 25 modern villas, all recently renovated, are scattered up a hillside in the Atlantic rainforest, with soaring bamboo, pine, eucalyptus, and jambolan trees providing cover. (This is hardly roughing it in the jungle: our villa had a private sauna and plunge pool.) At the beachfront restaurant, dinners were a multicourse affair, with the team turning out a tender roast sea bass, crayfish risotto, and yes, a simple burger and fries with care. Superb Brazilian wine pairings, including a crisp Vermentino from Santa Catarina state, were a surprise hit. If that isn’t enough to get you to T+L’s 2026 Destination of the Year , consider that a resident family of capybaras often wander the grounds—we spotted them one afternoon, happily munching grass by the gift shop. No café needed. Doubles from $1,900, all-inclusive. — Jacqueline Gifford

BELDEN HOUSE AND MEWS, LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT

In the spring of 2025, the sophisticated town of Litchfield, in Northwest Connecticut, welcomed its first luxury hotel in over 100 years. Chic but not pretentious, Belden House and Mews has blown a refreshing breeze of European style into the tiny enclave about two hours from New York City, that is also packed with hundreds of miles of hiking trails and classic landscapes. The 31-key hotel is discreetly situated along a row of statuesque white homes just minutes from the town’s center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, the quintessential New England house built in 1888 has been transformed by the talents at Champalimaud Design, who have all but redefined contemporary hotel interiors worldwide, and whose founder Alexandra Champalimaud happens to live in town. Belden House respectfully maintains countless of the house’s architectural details, such as fireplaces, chandeliers, sconces, and woodwork, while elevating it with great refinement—think custom wallcoverings, playful fabrics of stripes, and warm velvets—for modern connoisseurs. The public spaces are the original dining and living rooms, and each is drenched in sunrays that come through a wall of curving bay windows. The new 50-foot pool and manicured gardens pair well with the brick exterior. Food prepared by chef Tyler Heckman is inventive and delicious, and sourced from the many nearby farms and orchards, and of course, Connecticut’s own Atlantic waters. The electric green bar is the most jaw-dropping space in the building, and the spa is a tiled masterpiece. The hotel is the perfect base for a long weekend in the New England Arcadia of Litchfield County: fresh air, fresh food, miles of unspoiled scenery, and history in every brick of every building—including, of course, Belden House itself. Doubles from $500. — Marcia DeSanctis

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CAPELLA TAIPEI, TAIWAN

This 86-room retreat in the city’s leafy Songshan neighborhood is Capella Hotels and Resort’s eighth property and an instant game-changer for the Taiwanese capital’s high-end inventory. Through Capella Taipei's formidable bronze doors is Hong Kong–based design guru André Fu’s interpretation of a modern mansion: an airy foyer hosts a console of local artisan curios backed by a stunning panel installation depicting the Taiwan Basin. A dramatic arch leads to the high-ceilinged lobby restaurant Plume, where I enjoyed a signature cocktail facing an abstract Klimt-like mural depicting blue magpies, Taiwan’s endemic national bird. 

The first two floors warmly embrace locals and the public with an ethereal wellness wing and dining options including Cantonese-inspired Rong Ju and seafood omakase at the moody Mizue den. It was difficult to pry myself from the trappings of my skyline pool terrace suite, a one-bedroom facing Taipei 101 tower with its own cabana, eight-seat dining table, heated lap pool, and Jacuzzi. Capella’s robust menu of culturally immersive activities, though, made leaving my suite more than worthwhile. These are led by Capella Culturists, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable set who facilitate daily-changing workshops (called Capella Moments), lead hands-on local history lessons with light bites and beverages (Capella Rituals), and accompany guests to bespoke, off-campus excursions (Capella Curates). I won’t soon forget my tour to the verdant hills of Pinglin, where I visited a family-run tea farm. Doubles from $700. — Travis Levius

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CHESA MARCHETTA, SILS/SEGL MARIA, SWITZERLAND

The tiny Swiss village of Sils/Segl Maria already has a very prestigious reputation as a destination for cultural heavyweights and art-world celebrities. But now, with the opening of Chesa Marchetta , the latest hospitality project from Iwan and Manuela Wirth—the Swiss couple and art gallerists behind the internationally renowned contemporary art gallery Hauser + Wirth—Sils is officially on the map. The 13-room hotel feels like the world’s most stylish inn, and in a way, it is. The neon chandelier over the front desk is made by the star American artist Jason Rhoades, the cozy restaurant is overseen by one of London’s best Italian chefs, Davide DeGiovanni, and the interior designer is the renowned Paris based Luis Laplace. Even if those facts are unbeknownst to the guests, it’s easy to instinctively appreciate the rustic luxury and intimate charm. Every detail, from the design to the type of bread served at breakfast, is fastidiously curated, just like the duo’s world-renowned galleries. It’s also extremely personal, as the couple met in the area and are now spending much of their time there. And while the famous jet-set ski resort of St. Moritz is just a 20-minute drive away, most guests are happy to stay in Sils and walk or cross-country ski in and around its alpine landscapes. Doubles from $500. — Gisela Williams

CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL, SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

While on an evening game drive, I watched a pride of 11 lions hunt a cluster of impalas. As flashes of lightning revealed the action in front of us, I realized just how worthwhile the 24-hour journey from the U.S. to Zambia really was. I stayed at Chichele Presidential , a recently restored lodge overlooking the Luangwa Valley, in South Luangwa National Park. The terra-cotta façade, earth-toned interiors, and massive glass doors in each of the 10 suites reflect the area’s seemingly endless savanna and floodplains. Meals, much like the safari experience itself, are filled with delightful surprises: sundowners and snacks unexpectedly appeared beside a river packed with hippos; mid-morning breaks brought house-made cookies paired with hot tea. And while there is an infinity pool and a spa, it’s the twice-daily game drives and walking safaris that are at the heart of a stay here. After all, South Luangwa has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in all of Africa. Doubles from $1,625 per person, all-inclusive. — Alisha Prakash

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COLLEGIO ALLA QUERCE, AUBERGE COLLECTION, FLORENCE, ITALY

While most of the high-end hotels in Florence are defined by their palazzo buildings in the dense city center, Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection ’s first Italian property, is an entirely different scene. A 15-minute taxi ride from Santa Maria Novella, the city’s main train station, took me through the edge of town and eventually up a narrow, winding road. Anyone who’s stayed in the center of Florence will feel the difference immediately: the upscale residential neighborhood of hillside villas gives way to a long, gently sloping, cypress-lined driveway revealing a handsome 16th-century building surrounded by greenery. (In its former life, Collegio alla Querce was an all-male boarding school that educated the offspring of many well-to-do regional families). 

Aside from the visually stunning exterior renovation by Mallorca, Spain–based architecture firm Esteva i Esteva, the main thing I noticed was the quiet. Birdsong was the primary soundtrack, and the tourist cacophony of the Centro Storico, which is less than two miles away, felt very distant. The interiors, meanwhile, were designed by local studio ArchFlorence, including all 83 guest rooms and suites and the four bars and restaurants. In one of the standard rooms I visited, exquisite hand-painted wallpaper, depicting the Tuscan countryside, adorned one of the walls; and the Suite Giardino, which felt like a private apartment adjacent to a ground-floor garden, featured restored, original frescoes and a stone fountain. As for my suite, I loved the design details, including wood-coffered ceilings, the television discreetly hidden behind a mirror in the living room, parquet wood floors, and a standalone soaking tub. La Gamella (the hotel’s primary restaurant), meanwhile, offers a menu that riffs on seasonal Italian classics, led by executive chef Nicola Zamperetti. Among my favorite dishes was the wood-fired chicken cacciatore with spring potatoes and shallots, which was served, in a charming presentation, directly in the pot in which it was cooked. It was a fitting representation of the hotel itself, which was not only refined and elevated, but also warm, welcoming, and very comforting. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $1,860. — John Wogan

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CORINTHIA GRAND HOTEL DU BOULEVARD BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

Bucharest is often passed over for neighboring Budapest, but the Romanian capital’s history is as rich, sitting at the crossroads of the East and West on the edge of the Silk Road. The 30-suite Corinthia Bucharest is one more reason to visit. After a seven-year, top-to-bottom restoration, the Belle Époque beauty is once again a destination where well-dressed locals gather for history-themed craft cocktails at Heritage Bar before dining at the waiting list–only Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge, a boudoir-inspired transplant of the lively Monaco institution. The Corinthia celebrates turn-of-the-century glamour, a nod to the hotel’s past life of hosting balls and banquets for English royalty, but infuses bespoke touches like custom-crafted Murano glass chandeliers and a centerpiece tapestry woven from gold-printed, traditional Romanian scarves. After a quick stroll around the cobbled Old Town a few blocks away, I was happy to trade sightseeing for an indulgent soak in my Grand Deluxe Suite’s spacious tub, taking in the subtle floral fragrance of the Santa Maria Novella toiletries while admiring the architecture on the bustling Boulevard Regina Elisabeta below. Doubles from $404. — Lane Nieset

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DISNEY DESTINY

Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, the Disney Destiny , invites guests to choose their own magical adventure with whimsical spaces and interactive experiences that capitalize on what Disney does best: entertainment. There are live shows, intimate character meet-and-greets, and hero and villain parties on each sailing. “I like to think of our ships as a fleet of floating performing arts complexes,” Jenny Weinbloom, vice president of live entertainment for Disney Signature Experiences, told Travel + Leisure . The third ship in Disney’s Wish class, the Destiny has overlap with Disney Wish and Disney Treasure , but also offers a slate of new experiences inspired by Marvel characters, classic Disney animated movies, and beloved theme park attractions. The Black Panther –themed Grand Hall, a Hercules show, a Doctor Strange cocktail lounge, and an immersive, musical restaurant with songs from The Lion King are just a few of Destiny ’s exclusive offerings. The ship can hold up to 4,000 passengers in 1,246 staterooms and suites, including 23 accessible staterooms and a number for the hearing impaired. I was among the first guests to set sail on the Destiny before its inaugural voyage on Nov. 20, 2025, which kicked off its first season of Bahamas and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Accessible ship. Cruises from $1,048. — Elizabeth Rhodes

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DUSIT LE PALAIS TU HOA HANOI, VIETNAM

While tourists throng Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Train Street, those in the know hang out in West Lake. Located northwest of the city, the neighborhood is home to trendy cafés, offbeat street art, upscale boutiques and now, Thai hospitality group Dusit Hotels’ second property in Vietnam, Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi , named after Từ Hoa, a 12th-century princess. Từ Hoa’s influence as a pioneer in the silk-making industry is on display: there is a 300-piece art collection inspired by the princess spread throughout the hotel’s common spaces and 207 rooms. Two standouts include the vibrant three-panel watercolor on silk of her palace in the lobby and the pink-and-gold, four-panel ombré wall art at reception, made of ceramic tiles from the beloved Bát Tràng Pottery Village. While the rooms lean on neutrals and the views from floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurants’ design carry out Từ Hoa’s artistic legacy. At Soi Kitchen, the Thai restaurant, classics like pad Thai and a crab omelette are paired alongside fusion dishes like grilled fish in red curry with Vietnamese bún noodles and massaman curry served with a croissant. For more traditional Vietnamese food, Phở Lụa, an alfresco dining spot, serves a warm chicken pho that makes for a hearty breakfast. The locally inspired cocktails at the Palais Lounge stand out, including the reimagined Old Fashioned with mulberries and shiitake that I sipped with delight. Doubles from $114 . — Arundhati Hazra

FOWLESCOMBE FARM, SOUTH DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM

​​On a late summer weekend at Fowlescombe Farm in England’s South Devon, I spotted a sign naming farm dog Tiggs the employee of the month, for keeping the farm’s rare breed of sheep Manx Loaghtan in line “with admirable precision and perfectly timed herding maneuvers.” This told me everything I needed to know: Fowlescombe might bill itself as a new hotel with 10 luxe suites, but first and foremost, it's a working farm.

While the 450-acre estate dates back to 1537, the all-inclusive hotel business is a new addition, ushered forth by Caitlin Owens, her partner (and the hotel’s creative director) Paul Glade, and her family, who took over the farm in 2019.The farm has been proudly organic for more than two decades, championing rare and native livestock. Honeybees and chickens share the gardens, while heritage vegetables and edible wildflowers bloom in chemical-free gardens. Guests can join in daily complimentary activities like collecting eggs and feeding the goats, or simply wander the meadows and woodlands. The 10 suites, in a Victorian farmhouse, are dressed in sunny English oak and Welsh pendant stone with Scandi-inspired simplicity and homegrown additions (see the homemade mattresses stuffed with wool from the farm). There’s little else to this bucolic corner other than The Refectory, the hotel’s restaurant with a daily-changing menu shaped by the farm and gardens. Ethically butchered cured bresaola sits alongside pickled zucchini and salted beet top tarts, while the bread and baked goods–like the pumpkin and treacle bloomer–are some of the best I’ve ever had. Breakfast is fresh and simple, lunch is light, while a set four-course dinner is the most refined. Doubles from $718, all-inclusive. —Nicole Trilivas

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GÁLDU HOTEL & SPA, SAARISELKÄ, FINLAND

The boutique Gáldu Hotel & Spa sits 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, surrounded by thick taiga forests brimming with wildlife. The 31-room building is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, furnished with cozy bouclé sofas and sleek pendant lighting, but it is the landscape that commands all the attention. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to endless views of snow-covered treetops, while the ground-floor restaurant’s glass wall transformed my every meal into a picnic-like experience, with views of slim birch trees softly swaying in the winter breeze. Similarly, the menu honors Lapland’s bounty—from handpicked lingonberries and smoked salmon at breakfast to locally herded reindeer and beef, foraged mushrooms, and lake-caught whitefish and Arctic char at dinner. The true heart of the hotel is its spa, where three saunas with large panoramic windows, a hot tub, a cold plunge, and a swimming pool immersed me in the elements. No Spotify playlists needed here—the natural sounds of this Arctic retreat are the perfect antidote to busy urban life. A menu of treatments and wellness activities, such as yoga and sound healing, is also available, but I found the hike in Urho Kekkonen National Park, across the street from Gáldu, just as stress-reducing and invigorating. For those looking for something more adrenaline-inducing, this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is a quick five-minute drive to the slopes of Europe’s northernmost ski resort, Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort. Doubles from $231. — Dobrina Zhekova

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GARDEN DISTRICT HOTEL, NEW ORLEANS

New Orlean’s Garden District has seen a number of hotel newcomers over the years, driven by the quiet charm of oak-lined streets and sweeping verandas that sit under ornate, wrought-iron balconies. The newest kid on the block, Garden District Hotel , is sequestered on a quiet corner of Prytania Street. Blink twice and you could mistake it for a sprawling home, but that’s part of its humble allure. Inside, velvet couches and chairs in gray and tan tones are set against a lobby fireplace and exposed brick walls. Just steps away, a lengthy bar reveals a garden theme with winding green vines and pastel colors splashed on wallpaper. The hotel’s crown jewel is a heated saltwater pool with the city’s only swim-up bar. Loungers covered by striped umbrellas and cabanas are best enjoyed with herbaceous cocktails or remixed takes on the classic Sazerac. Forty-seven guest rooms are spread across courtyards and upstairs; the largest of the lot is the two-level District Suite with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, a separate dining area, and a secondary lofted living room. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the hotel’s sibling property, The Blackbird, located just down the block. Doubles from $300. — Kristin Braswell

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GORA KADAN FUJI, SUBASHIRI, JAPAN

When I arrived at Gora Kadan Fuji , the ground was dotted with snow and Japan’s highest peak was still hidden behind looming clouds. Tucked along the Subashiri trail, facing the east side of Mt. Fuji, every vantage point of this modern ryokan stars the iconic mountain; that includes the grand lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows and the outdoor observation deck adjacent to a glass-walled lounge where matcha is served upon arrival. For those familiar with the brand’s historic outpost in Hakone, you’ll recognize the same clean lines that beautifully frame nature along with the prevalent use of cedar and cypress to showcase archetypical ryokan architecture. This property, however, is not only punctuated by surprising touches (like wild Sogetsu ikebana arrangements and abstract art), plus an indoor heated pool and outdoor hot tub to complement the two public onsen . There’s also a fitness center and a spa that offers massages, facials, and a hair hydrotherapy treatment. To top it all off, there are four on-site dining options—five if you count the all-day restaurant at Gora Kadan’s golf course across the street—that includes kaiseki, sushi, kappo , and teppanyaki. And when it comes down to the 42 accommodations, all are complete with tatami mats, shoji screens, and hot spring–fed tubs. I spend up to three months every year in Japan, and this stay was among the best parts of my recent trip. Doubles from $854, inclusive of two daily meals. — Christina Liao

GORILLA FOREST LODGE, AN A&K SANCTUARY, BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST, UGANDA

There's a particular kind of quiet that settles over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: reverent, ancient, sacred. Abercrombie & Kent's Sanctuary Gorilla Lodge , the only property within the UNESCO World Heritage Park that's home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas, is a reflection of this energy. Respect for traditional culture is evident everywhere: in the woven banana leaves that make up some of the walls in the lodge’s 10 identical guest rooms; in the bark cloth on cushions, traditionally reserved for Buganda Kingdom royalty. It extends into the experiences— like evening presentations that dive deep into conservation challenges, unique ecosystems, and local culture—and beyond the property. Case in point: half the boutique goods are made directly from villagers, the company provides safe drinking water to local families, and the trekking porters earn meaningful income. The lodge recognizes the hard truth: if communities surrounding Bwindi don't benefit from conservation, conservation won't survive. 

While I woke up to mountain views emerging from morning mist each morning, it’s not the rooms that attract guests to this property. You're here for what happens when you stand 10 feet from a silverback gorilla, watching him methodically strip leaves while completely aware yet unbothered by your presence. That moment of ancient knowing justifies the journey to this remote location. After hours navigating steep, muddy terrain, the spa's two treatment rooms deliver exactly what your body needs. My lower-body massage finished with a gong that settled something I didn't know needed settling. Doubles from $975 per person for seven nights. — Natalie Preddie

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.HERE, MALDIVES

Split between two islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here has nine palatial villas, each with three to five bedrooms. Designed by Muza Lab (the same group behind the nearby Finolhu resort and One&Only Cape Town), the villas consist of bright pinks, yellows, and greens, contrasted with the turquoise-blue waters that sparkle from every window. The ocean is an ever-present theme throughout each mansion-sized getaway, from seashell-lined mirrors to coral-themed lamps. At such a small resort, everything is customized, including snorkeling sessions at the Baa Atoll’s famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay, and an in-villa Tibetan massage. A short wander down the winding jetty brings you to the resort’s restaurant, Safar, where classic dishes from countries around the world are served. But it's hard to tear yourself away from the lavishness of the villa. Like most guests here, I ended up eating almost every meal on my polished driftwood table, from Maldivian lobster pasta to steak cooked on the Josper grill. (Complimentary in-room dining is available to every guest.) During the days, I rotated between swimming off my private jetty, doing laps in the pool, reading on the sunken living room couch, and getting a reflexology massage. Doubles from $13,000. — Katie Lockhart

HOTEL FERMATA, SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA

Nestled a few steps from La Lora beach in the hip surf town of Santa Teresa, in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Fermata might just be the town’s best respite for families. With just 35 accommodations, including single guest rooms and suites, standalone oceanfront casitas, and a two-bedroom villa, the three-acre boutique property strikes the perfect balance between privacy and a lively commune. Sand-hued neutral interiors are punctuated by pops of greenery, handmade knick-knacks, and an expertly curated selection of tomes on surfing, art, and design. During my stay, the chic pool, shaded by vegetation and palms, was where I spent most of my time. The nearby alfresco restaurant sets the stage for chef Olivier Palazzo’s flavor-packed Mediterranean-inspired dishes. (The sea bass ceviche with grapefruit and tangy ají yuzu vinaigrette was a dinner staple, and I could eat the cantaloupe and cucumber salad every day.) Given its beachside location, many guests partook in morning yoga sessions on the property’s lawn, overlooking the sea. My son and I also chose the more adventurous option, opting for our very first surfing session together, coached by a pair of professionals at the hotel's signature surf school. Parents, take note: leave your offspring at the open-air kids’ club, tucked at the back of the property, and head to the spa to take advantage of the cold plunge and sauna . Doubles from $420. —Dobrina Zhekova

HOTEL SEVILLA, MÉRIDA, MEXICO

Once a 16th-century manor, with original stonework juxtaposed by slick concrete, Hotel Sevilla transported me back in time. One block from Mérida’s lush central square, the 21-room hotel—by trendy Mexican hospitality collection Grupo Habita—invites guests to linger. I spent my first morning by the pool, a geometric showpiece sunken into a courtyard and framed by thick, weathered walls that keep the outdoor area shaded all day. Then I moved along to the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, which passes from a handsome sauna to a cold plunge in a light-filled grotto; it all felt like a memory pulled from a conquistador’s diary. After an elegant lunch at the hotel’s bistro, headlined by a bright gazpacho with melon and house ricotta, I slipped out to explore Plaza Grande just next door. Doubles from $400. — David Shortell

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HOTEL WILLA, TAOS, NEW MEXICO

In northern New Mexico’s high desert, where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains burn copper at dusk, and the air carries the resinous scent of piñon and sage, Taos has long drawn artists and wanderers. When Hotel Willa opened at the gateway to the Downtown Historic District, it gave them somewhere worthy to land. I arrived just before 10 p.m., road-weary and trailing desert dust, but softly lit hand-troweled adobe walls flanking a crackling hearth wrapped me in comfort. The 51-room boutique hotel transformed a 1960s motor lodge into a sanctuary of clay tones, carved viga beams, and textiles woven by local hands. My room carried that same intentionality: regional art and wide doorways echoing the design of the hotel’s four ADA-accessible accommodations, where roll-in showers and thoughtful layouts make accessibility feel integrated, not appended. Most common areas are accessible as well, save for the pool. In the on-site gallery curated by arts nonprofit Paseo Project, I stood transfixed before “Bullet Cities,” a shimmering wall of glass-cast bullet casings by Debbie Long that shifted as afternoon light moved. A plumber’s pipe sculpture hung near a security guard’s pen-and-ink drawing—art made by the people who built this place. Outside, a heated pool, hot tub, cedar sauna, and cold plunge gather adjacent to a 100-year-old willow. The edible garden filled with herbs, leggy rhubarb, and spinach supplies restaurant Juliette, where chef Johnny Ortiz-Concha sent out a fermented blue-corn daiquiri and juicy cheeseburger with roasted local chiles for my first dinner in town. Doubles from $180. — Carrie Honaker

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HOTEL WREN, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA

A 10-minute drive from the less-busy North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park in Twentynine Palms, California, Hotel Wren is a reimagined 1940s motel in the high desert. The design, by L.A.-based Manola Studio founder Jessica Pell, banks on natural hues, minimal furnishings, and lush outdoor landscaping creating a quiet oasis promoting rest and relaxation. The intimate, 12-room property with the unofficial slogan “no time to rush," is ages 21+, dog-friendly, and doesn’t have televisions, inviting guests to unplug after a daytime hike in the park. Rooms are on either side of a courtyard with a saltwater swimming pool and lush garden with native California flora. Don’t sleep on the cushy Palermo House chair and ottoman sets on the far end of the pool, which have spectacular views of the park. Accommodations have a residential feel with gas fireplace–equipped patios and integrated kitchenettes. There is no bar or restaurant, but a well-curated selection of food, natural wines, canned beers, and cocktails can be procured at the on-site bodega Windsong, and nearby towns Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley have lots of eclectic restaurants, as well as galleries and vintage shops. At night, from the hot tub under the rustling palms, the sky is as dark and magical as it gets for high desert stargazing. Doubles from $330. — Booth Moore

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HUKA LODGE, TAUPŌ, NEW ZEALAND

Nature has always been Huka Lodge’s strong suit. The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1924 as an elite fishing camp, has entered a new era with a $14 million renovation under the ownership of the Beckons brand (formerly Baillie Lodges, as of March 2026). Its 17 acres of gardens meld English parklands with Jurassic groves of ferns and native pines. The lodge’s true lifeforce, though, is the quicksilver Waikato River shimmering on its northern border; the Beckons team has prioritized bringing guests closer than ever to the charismatic river with expanded terraces and a cantilevered living room. The 20 suites and two multiroom cottages are richly textured in linen, wool, and leather, and each space has in-room bars stocked with New Zealand liquor and kitchen treats (the shortbread is the best I’ve tasted). Among Huka’s newest attractions are a two-room spa, sauna, and gym, and the typically assured touch that comes from Beckons, an Australia-based brand. It was palpable on arrival as I was ushered onto a deck for charcuterie paired with Louis Roederer Champagne and dazzling river views, and in the sophisticated menus showcasing prime local produce like Mount Cook alpine salmon, Lake Ohau sirloin, and wines from the 4,500-bottle cellar. The entertainment continues with tennis, a compact pool, and a yoga lawn on site, in addition to 60 miles of riverside hiking trails, fly-fishing, or geothermal bathing off property. Doubles from $1,956. — Kendall Hill

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HUUS QUELL, APPENZELL, SWITZERLAND

The little-known Appenzell is quintessential Switzerland, a region full of rolling hills dotted with mooing cows and centuries-old farmhouses. Huus Quell , a wellness resort conceived by tech titan (and Appenzell native son) Jan Schoch, manages to fit right in—despite being one of the most progressive new hotels of the year. The construction: sustainably fabricated entirely from locally sourced woods, and carbon-neutral, with nary a nail or metal frame to speak of. The spa is a combination of traditional saunas, steam rooms, and therapies paired with cutting-edge cryo, infrared, and other biohacking treatments. Even the small details come from big ideas. Plastic is all but banned. Cuisine is almost entirely locally sourced (one exception being the six wine cellars featuring Schoch’s favorite labels from around the globe). And in the 30 rooms, pillows, drapes, and wallcoverings have been custom designed by Jakob Schlaepfer, the local Swiss textile house that supplies Dior and Chanel. It all makes for a wellness resort that looks good, feels good—and truly is good. Doubles from $550. —Jackie Caradonio

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HUTTOPIA LES DEUX LACS - LAURENTIDES, MONT-BLANC, CANADA

French-based ecotourism brand, Huttopia , opened its newest glampsite within a 4,373-acre natural park just 90 minutes outside of Montreal. The 87-room resort, nestled between two pristine lakes, is open for Quebec’s peak summer and winter seasons, closing briefly in November and April. When I visited in early October, the leaves were turning to vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. I took in the spectacular foliage from the no-frills accommodations—canvas tents and wooden chalets, complete with heating, full bathrooms, an outdoor firepit, and gas stoves. Guests can even opt for the property’s canoe-camping experience, which offers two standalone lakefront tents that are only accessible by boat. The main lodge doubles as a lobby with concierge, a gear shop, a small market, and a café for morning coffee and crepes. Next door, made-to-order wood-fired pizzas are available to purchase, which I enjoyed out on the docks watching the sunset. Guests can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore Trout Lake (one of the deux lacs surrounding Huttopia) and take part in lakeside morning yoga and guided hikes through the forest. Doubles from $144. — Annie Archer

ITZ’ANA, PLACENCIA, BELIZE

There is a palpable harmony between elegant interiors and the coastal landscape at the 60-key Itz’ana Resort & Residences —officially completed in November 2025 with the debut of its private-island accommodation, Coral Caye. Many suites and villas sprawl right onto the beach; gardens and pools connect guest rooms; and the restaurant, Limilia, opens onto a patio that’s perfect for sampling ceviche and fish tacos. But perhaps the best part of this respite is its proximity to the country’s lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and sprawling coral-reef system. Doubles from $143. — Asa Canty

JNANE RUMI, MARRAKESH

In Arabic, the word jnane means “garden” or “paradise.” And Jnane Rumi , a 12-room guesthouse on the edge of the city’s Palmeraie, a palm tree–lined oasis planted in the 11th century, is indeed a kind of botanical haven. To stay there—surrounded by diverse flora, like pistachio trees and bushes of bougainvillea—is to surrender to the lush environment, to simply do nothing but look. The former 1960s residence was recently renovated by a Dutch couple with a lifelong passion for art. The duo’s impeccable taste is everywhere: in the mix of contemporary photographs and paintings; the carved wood ceilings and handmade textiles; the vibrant colors found around every corner. I stayed in the property’s private villa–style annex and spent a sublime two days swimming and reading in my own pool, wandering the grounds, and enjoying simple yet bountiful meals—including a delightful fish tagine and mezze spread with a bright tomato salad­—served anywhere I chose. In just a short time, it felt as if this effortless, art-filled estate was my home—if only for the weekend. Doubles from $455. — Elizabeth Cantrell

JUMEIRAH MARSA AL ARAB, DUBAI

The city of Dubai has come a long way from its time as a fishing village in the early 19th century. But at the Jumeirah group’s newest seaside hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab , these maritime origins provide a narrative throughline. Architect Shaun Killa’s long, narrow building with wraparound windows is designed to evoke a slick superyacht. In the 300 guest rooms and 86 suites, there are undertones of cream and beige, dotted with blue and orange accents. And plenty of extravagance is found in the impressive 11 restaurants, five pools, and the three-story Talise Spa, which has a thermal sanctuary complete with personal hammams. Doubles from $2,000. —Hannah Walhout

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LA FONDATION, PARIS

This 58-room hotel in the 17th Arrondissement isn’t for first-time visitors to the City of Light. It’s nowhere near the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or the Champs-Élysées. Instead, the Brutalist building—with homey interiors by design studio Roman and Williams—invites guests to be part of the community in the northwest corner of the city. I relished my morning routine at La Fondation : reading magazines on the window-front love seat in my room; sipping a cappuccino at Brasserie La Base, the hotel’s street-level café; popping out to buy pâté de campagne from a man and his dachshund at the market next door. I spent ample time at the four-story gym, climbing the rock wall and soaking in the hammam. And when I ate at the fine-dining restaurant, the only chatter I heard around me was in French—rather a pleasant accompaniment to a meal of charred langoustines and tarte Tatin with Roscoff onions. Doubles from $484. —Maya Kachroo-Levine

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LA VALISE MAZUNTE, OAXACA, MEXICO

Perched on a cliffside within the protected El Torón Reserve, La Valise Mazunte seamlessly intertwines with the raw landscape of the Oaxacan Coast, making it easy to forget where nature ends and design begins. This, of course, was exactly what Mexican architects Alberto Kalach and Ignacio Urquiza had in mind when they constructed the retreat without heavy machinery, allowing each structure to follow the land’s natural contours. There are just 10 suites and a pentagon-shaped villa embedded in the jungle at this secluded enclave located in the small beach town of Mazunte. I felt instantly transported upon arrival, soothed by the constant rhythm of the waves crashing against its jagged cliffs below. This feeling was only amplified when I arrived at my one-bedroom suite, Villa Pentágonos, where sliding wooden doors frame sweeping views of the Pacific and a pentagon-shaped infinity pool appears to dissolve into the horizon. 

Beyond the endless views, the property invites guests to engage with their surroundings through sunset yoga, mezcal tastings, turtle hatchling releases, and horseback rides along the shore. (Depending on the day’s tide, a secluded beach dotted with palapas becomes accessible below the cliffs.) While dining is intentionally understated, the restaurant highlights regional flavors thoughtfully—think memelas with eggs, ceviche in hibiscus marinade, and aguachile—often paired with a mezcal-forward cocktail program that nods to Oaxaca’s deep spirits tradition. As the only luxury hotel in the area, staying here feels like discovering an untouched paradise—one that gently insists you slow down and listen. Doubles from $400. — Susmita Baral

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LARCH HOUSE, WHITEFISH, MONTANA

Designed by renowned architecture firm Olson Kundig, Larch House is a synthesis of modern, precise geometry—such as the towering hearth on the lobby floor—and cozy frontier-inspired decor (see: the recovered moose antlers in every guest room). The 39-key hotel’s open-campus layout comprises 10 standalone buildings around a central courtyard with a firepit. During the summer months, Larch House is a perfect home base for outdoor enthusiasts to mountain bike, fly-fish, and river raft through the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape, while the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort offer pristine powder through the winter. Located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, an enclave of less than 10,000 people, Larch House is no mere satellite motel for these epic natural sights; guests are within walking distance to the many bakeries, restaurants, bars, and shops in town. That said, you’d be forgiven for staying put: Enga, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a mecca of alpine-inspired gourmet dishes. As I dug into an elk chop and sipped a martini made with local Spotted Bear gin, the restaurant and its bar were bustling with activity. Visitors in town for the weekend mingled with local Montanans, the extensive cocktail menu ensuring there would be little reason to leave until closing time. Doubles from $425. —Asa Canty

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LES BASSANS, PERROS-GUIREC, FRANCE

Les Bassans , the 25-room boutique hotel along Brittany’s famous Pink Granite Coast, sits on the side of a winding road, with its gable roofs peeking above a lush hillside garden with pink and soft blue hydrangeas. It’s the type of place where you'd expect to find an artist with a canvas propped on an easel, carefully mixing paints to capture the exact emerald hue of the Atlantic Ocean or the nearby rose-colored cliffs.
I found the same cinematic allure inside—thanks to the vintage-inspired brass telescope set up near the Juliette balcony in my suite and the black-and-white photographs of bygone Brittany. But it was the ground-floor restaurant, with its bow windows allowing for 180-degree views of the ocean, that swept me off my feet. In the dining room, plush banquettes in Atlantic blue and brass tables evoke the palette of the nearby gold-sand Plage de Trestrignel. Local butter served in a small, shell-shaped dish and warm, house-baked buckwheat bread welcomed me at dinner. A crispy tartlet filled with creamed goat cheese and bright green peas, haricots verts, and herbs followed. Next door, at the elegant spa, guests can detox in a light-filled wellness area with a sauna, hot tub, and hammam. Attached is a balcony staged with chaise lounges and striped umbrellas, overlooking the water. Doubles from $163. —Dobrina Zhekova

LES HAUTS DE SANCERRE, FRANCE

On our first night at Les Hauts de Sancerre , an eight-room, art-filled resort located in an eastern enclave of France’s Loire Valley, my best friend, Isabel, and I grabbed a cozy spot in the château’s foyer. We began our evening with two glasses of local vin d’orange and poached Normandy oysters doused in dashi and cucumber juice. Then came a five-turn tasting from Arnaud Munster, the hotel’s 20-something head chef who had recently appeared on Top Chef France . By the fourth course—an unctuous piece of mullet submerged in a pool of brown butter—we agreed that this evening in a medieval château felt shockingly modern. We could’ve easily been sitting on a trendy street in Paris, rather than 130 miles outside the city. The next morning, reality hit when David Chicard, the owner of the hotel and a native Sancerrois, walked us over to the Tour des Fiefs, a 14th-century limestone tower. He dug up an iron key and opened the 100-foot tower, which we climbed—a cool 16 flights of stairs, exactly what you want after five butter-drenched courses—and were rewarded with a panorama of provincial towns and the winding Loire River in the distance. That’s when it sank in that we were, in fact, in a medieval village on land Chicard bought from the Marnier-Lapostolle family (the creators of the beloved French liqueur Grand Marnier). My favorite part of the scene, though, was the bird’s-eye view we had of the hotel courtyard, which resembled a plein-air museum, strewn with modern sculptures. Doubles from $328. —Maya Kachroo-Levine

MANDAI RAINFOREST RESORT BY BANYAN TREE, SINGAPORE

Banyan Tree’s first hotel in Singapore offers a panorama of a placid reservoir with no skyscrapers in sight, views over lush rainforests, and the odd monkey sighting. In other words, it’s not the Singapore I’m used to. The Tree House Suites’ undulating design resembles the seedpod of the purple millettia, a common Southeast Asian flowering plant. The spa’s wellness pods mimic the scaly exterior of the endangered Sunda pangolin. The rooms dive deeper into biophilic design, with jungle-themed wall murals by local artist Donna Ong and rattan furnishings. In my room, the bunk bed created a cozy nook resembling a forest clearing, which enthralled my toddler.

The resort implements its sustainability commitment in ways beyond just substituting plastic water bottles (with reusable ones made of sugarcane waste) and harvesting rainwater to flush toilets. A solar array generates electricity, digital room displays inform you of your power consumption, and interestingly, you cannot set the air-conditioning temperature below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (ceiling fans offer additional cooling). The Forage restaurant offers a set menu that incorporates sustainably sourced seafood and plants from the resort’s rooftop garden, which I enjoyed most in the lemongrass cocktails and edible flowers strewn atop cauliflower. The 338-room resort sits in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and its easy access to five wildlife parks is a boon for families. My toddler’s favorite moment: breakfast at the Singapore Zoo, arranged by the hotel, in the company of macaws and orangutans. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $381. —Arundhati Hazra

MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN, DUBAI

“In Dubai, more is more,” a travel journalist friend told me, as I headed to the second largest emirate on the Persian Gulf, not sure what to expect. The Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai —the final opening in 2025 for the brand—proved that statement to be true. The hotel's interior design has a decided sense of place, putting the glitzy city on display. It features a curated art collection with works by regional and international artists, and a 24-hour gym outfitted with custom Technogym equipment in a bespoke taupe shade, with Mandarin Oriental’s signature celadon green accent. Within the 259 guest rooms and suites are chestnut-hued Chevron wood floors and Carrera marble accent tables, softened by plush rugs. Some suites include a private balcony; the shimmering metropolis views from my 27th-floor suite were dizzying and made me feel like I’d arrived in the future. While there are five restaurants, it’s the breakfast buffet that I found most exquisite; the pastry bar alone had nearly 30 buttery confections to peruse, including a seasonally appropriate galette de rois. Yù & Mì, a vibe-filled, modern Chinese restaurant with a 1960s Hong Kong soul and a stunning bar lined with jade also stood out. My friend and I couldn’t finish the decadent feast of glossy, crispy-skinned Peking duck. And yet, we left hungry for more of Dubai. Doubles from $555. — Caitlin Gunther

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, VIENNA

For all its architectural grandeur, Vienna has never had much diversity of places to stay—which is part of what makes the arrival of Mandarin Oriental, Vienna , the group's first outpost in Austria, so significant. More than a decade in the making, this landmark transformation of an Alfred Keller–designed courthouse, built in 1908, signaled a new era of hospitality for the Austrian capital when it opened last December. Set on a quiet corner within the Ringstrasse—the grand circular boulevard integral to the city's UNESCO-listed historic center—the hotel is less palatial than its luxury neighbors but no less elegant. As I discovered over the course of my three-day stay, its greatest asset is a residential, discreet style that keeps guests close to all the action—a five-to-10-minute walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera, and the Goldenes Quartier—but at a pleasant remove from the tourist crush. London-based design studio Goddard Littlefair references early 20th-century Vienna throughout, setting a sophisticated tone in the entryway with a chandelier evoking a popping Champagne cork. Across the 138 rooms and suites, a soft palette of dusty pink, mineral grey, and sky blue is juxtaposed with patterned textiles drawn from the graphic vocabulary of Vienna Secession artists. The vast covered courtyard houses four culinary concepts overseen by executive chef Thomas Seifried, including Le Sept, which serves a seafood-focused tasting menu. Guests can also sign up for movement classes, a guided hike through the Viennese woods, or wine tasting among the 140-plus wineries operating within city limits. One of the best features of all: the subterranean spa with seven treatment rooms and Vienna's largest hotel pool. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $690. — Lindsey Tramuta

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MASIYA’S CAMP, AMANDA, SOUTH AFRICA

When designing the newest Royal Portfolio property in Thornybush Nature Reserve, co-owner Liz Biden disregarded everything she knew about a typical safari stay. For Masiya’s Camp , the brand’s fourth lodge in the reserve, she eschewed khaki, beige, and dark earth tones for dusky pink canvas and vibrant interiors like magenta couches, striped walls, and electric-yellow tables. All six tents—which each span about 2,500 square feet—have expansive decks, heated pools, and no shortage of creative details, like East African–style wooden doors and Moroccan vases. Just outside of the camp itself, Kruger—one of the continent’s largest national parks—is known for its density of wildlife. In my meaningful two-day stay, I saw lionesses indulging on a zebra carcass; a five-month-old rhino; a young elephant who joined my group’s gin-and-tonic sundowners; and on the last morning, a striking leopard. Doubles from $3,525 per person, all-inclusive. — Heather Richardson

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MHARO KHET, JODHPUR, INDIA

On my first morning at Mharo Khet , a 40-acre farmstay outside Jodhpur, I sat under a spectacular Rohida tree and had the best head massage of my life, given by a kurta-clad village barber. Dinner that night was in a guava orchard with fragrant blooms under a rising full moon. The nine-course degustation was entirely vegetarian, with many ingredients grown on-site; the property doesn’t serve meat. The cocktails are generously poured and made with lemons and herbs grown on the property, and guests can mix drinks with the friendly bartender. The 10 villas, painted vermilion and white, are named after Indian ragas (tunes), each more than 2,000 square feet with private outdoor space. Guests can enjoy sound-healing sessions, learn Rajasthani recipes in the kitchen, or take pottery lessons at the resort. Most folks, however, end up lounging in the pool in the late afternoon sunshine. Mharo Khet means “our farm” in the local Marwari language—and that’s exactly how it feels. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $367. — Shoba Narayan

MONDRIAN GOLD COAST, BURLEIGH HEADS, AUSTRALIA

I’ve never seen a sunrise quite like those I witnessed from my balcony at the Mondrian Gold Coast last fall. Each morning, I’d awake to the sun bursting in through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Burleigh Beach, drenching my room in natural light. The two, curvy towers of the 208-key hotel, designed in partnership with Fraser & Partners—an eco-conscious firm with a predominantly Gold Coast team—were built to complement their environment, not to dominate the shoreline. Within, elements of Burleigh Heads’ Norfolk pines and beachside vibes are reflected in earthy hues and natural textures, paired well with eccentric surprises like the cheetah-printed pillows on my couch. “It’s unique, quirky, and unpredictable—delivering on all the expectations of what Australia represents,” Jarryd Pearson, lead architect on the project, told T+L of the Mondrian’s debut in the Australian market. In addition to its prime location, there’s plenty to do right on site. Guests can lounge at the always-buzzing Pool Club, take a dip in one of two magnesium plunge pools, and rejuvenate in the bio-wellness spa. When hunger calls, opt for vibrant Italian flavors at LiTO or fresh seafood upstairs at Haven. And when evening falls, there’s live music and DJ sets to keep the party going. Doubles from $369. — Kate Van Dyke

MOUNTAIN MODERN SEDONA, ARIZONA

Mountain Modern Sedona is one of the few hotels where I felt encouraged to spend as much time off property, as on it. “It can be a place for travelers and locals alike to recharge, connect, and dive into everything that makes Sedona so magical,” Robert Nolan, the hotel’s co-founder, told T+L. Of course, there are still plenty of on-site amenities worth writing home about. Arizona-based firm RSP Architects blends practical design and stylish comfort into the 89 guest rooms; you can count on designated cubbies and hooks to store your Red Rock–dusted gear and luxurious toiletries from Malin+Goetz. Further, The Den, a perfect blend of coffee shop, restaurant, full-service bar, and hangout spot, is truly the heartbeat of the hotel. The breakfast menu leans into the area’s Southwestern roots with chipotle burritos and greek yogurt bowls topped with Arizona mesquite honey—both of which were perfect options to fuel me for hours of hiking and off-roading with Pink Jeep Tours. I returned each day just in time for an après-adventure happy hour of local brews and handcrafted cocktails, which are best enjoyed by the firepits lining the outdoor pool deck. My favorite part of the stay was meeting four-legged adventure seekers. Dog beds, water bowls, and toys are available upon request, plus a full-acre private outdoor park welcomes furry guests. Doubles from $209. —Annie Archer

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MUNICIPAL GRAND, SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Can you build a successful hotel around the idea of a perfectly crafted drink? After my stay at Municipal Grand —a 44-room property in Savannah from one of the founders of the Death & Co. cocktail bar empire —I found the answer to be, “Yes, and I think I’ll have another round.” As you might expect, the brand’s mixology roots are on display at this boutique hotel, set in the city’s former First Federal Savings building, erected in 1961. For dinner, I stopped by the lobby-level, all-day restaurant, Municipal Bar, for a Bee’s Knees with coconut, basil, and green apple, plus some small plates of hashbrowns topped with caviar and hamachi crudo with Calabrian chiles and radish. Downstairs, at the subterranean bar, the Hot Eye, I opted for the riff on an Old Fashioned, made with bourbon, miso, cinnamon, and a dried apple slice. There’s also a rooftop pool, outfitted with retro-chic red and white striped sunloungers, where guests can order small plates and spritzes. The midcentury-style rooms feature a marble bar with sturdy glassware and a spot-on selection of spirits, coffee, tea, and snacks—plus copies of Death & Co.’s three entertaining books—so you can mix up a proper drink, connect to the bluetooth-compatible Marshall speaker, and keep the party going. Design-wise, the property channels a tropical, yet moody vibe with pendant lighting and banquette couches, paired well with some of the building’s original touches, like granite walls and blue and cream tiles. Even on a Sunday night, the Municipal Bar and the Hot Eye were both humming, with out-of-towners like me sitting next to Savannah residents, swapping stories and contemplating our next drinks. Doubles from $299. —Elizabeth Cantrell

NAPLES BEACH CLUB, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT, FLORIDA

In its former life, Naples, Florida—voted one of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026 —was a sleepy golf community for Midwestern snowbirds. Now, with a real estate boom in full swing and a tech-and-finance crowd settling in, the destination is having a bit of a moment. Enter the Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort , an all-encompassing, 220-room enclave with residences; two gorgeous pools; a 30,000-square-foot wellness center; and an 18-hole golf course to come in 2027. Set on the grounds of a beloved family-owned hotel, the property had community buy-in from the start. Come sunset, locals descend upon HB’s, the chic waterside restaurant where my family and I feasted on stone crabs and tuna steak tagliata, and the adjacent Sunset Bar, with its craft cocktails and Adirondack chairs in the sugar-soft sand. The lobby-level draw is the brasserie, The Merchant Room, from Minneapolis wunderkind Gavin Kaysen. Its dry-aged steaks, oysters Rockefeller, and fritto misto are served up among whimsical birdcage light fixtures and a flamingo mural by artist Dean Barger. Indeed, the overall vibe leans Old Florida—but with a modern twist—thanks to Champalimaud Design, a firm adept at making hotels polished but not precious. In our one-bedroom suite, the hot-pink mini-bar came stocked with board games, and the spacious, terrazzo-floored bathrooms stocked with oversize Byredo amenities. Even the playful metal accents on the blue doors—a fish here, a seahorse there—reminded us that we were in vacation mode: time to kick off our shoes, be pampered in a cabana, and collect shells on that heartstopping beach. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $1,200. —Jacqueline Gifford

ONE&ONLY MOONLIGHT BASIN, BIG SKY, MONTANA

A palpable aura of exclusivity defines the One&Only brand’s much-anticipated U.S. debut. On arrival, I was whisked by my host (every guest is paired with an on-call butler) by ATV to my 1,000-square-foot cabin. There are 18 accommodations that match this one—clad in glass and blackened wood, with several fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows—plus a few larger homes, and 73 guest rooms and suites spread across the three main lodges. While the 240-acre property is billed as a year-round playground—evident in its multiple pools and hot tubs, tennis court, and three restaurants—it shines brightest in winter. The resort’s private heated gondola took me directly to the mountains of Big Sky, where I explored the vast, uncrowded terrain from my snowboard. From the stainless-steel hot tub on my private deck, watching as the sun set over the Spanish Peaks, it was easy to understand the appeal—for anyone fortunate enough to get in. Doubles from $1,100. — Denny Lee

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OCEANIA ALLURA

The newest vessel from T+L reader favorite Oceania Cruises is a study in excellence without excess. Sailing aboard the 610-cabin ship through the Adriatic Sea last summer, my days started with an espresso at the gorgeous Baristas coffee shop before I spent hours on the sports deck, thwacking a pickleball around and lounging by the pool. In the evening, I’d stop for a gin martini at Martinis—go figure—before hitting one of Allura’s excellent restaurants, whether the Parisian-inspired Jacques (lobster thermidor; scallops in a morel-mushroom sauce) or Polo Grill (big steaks; a classic Caesar salad). Of course, a ship is only as good as where it takes you. “We go to probably twice as many unique ports of call and have twice as many itineraries as our competitors,” says Nathan Hickman, Oceania’s chief commercial officer. A sea-kayaking trip around the walls of Dubrovnik was a particular highlight of my Trieste, Italy, to Athens itinerary, including a snorkeling stop at a secluded cave. The special sauce, though, is that Oceania trips are sometimes available for less than $500 per person per day, a remarkable value considering the cost of luxury hotels in Europe’s high season. Seven-day cruises from $2,999. — Paul Brady

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ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA, ROME

Around the corner from the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva lives in Rome’s tourist heart. And yet, once I passed through the aristocratic property’s gigantic wood doors (salvaged from a palazzo in Puglia) into the glass-canopied, fiddleleaf fig–fringed lobby bar, I found a sense of cloistered privacy. The French hospitality giant Accor, in partnership with Italy’s Arsenale Group, spared no detail for the rebirth of the Orient Express Hotels portfolio: embroidered napkins tucked under your cocktail at La Minerva Bar; fresh peonies and white roses in the suites; plates of fruit cut just so at breakfast at the rooftop restaurant, Gigi, where the sugar packets served with your cappuccino come delicately branded. The 93-key hotel occupies what was originally the 17th-century residence of a noble family. Designer Hugo Toro respected the splendor and idiosyncrasies of the building (marble floors, zigzagging halls) while still making it feel like a hotel from 2025. Art from his personal collection fills the public spaces, and the rooms have red-stone baths, sofas detailed with luggage-style straps, and headboards painted in hazy ombres to match the sunrise. The moody palette of herbal greens, tobacco browns, coral, and amber make the rooms feel like a perfect setting for a star-crossed tryst or a hideout for an art thief with excellent taste. Doubles from $1,162. — Adam Erace

ORIGINS ASTRAL LODGE, BIJAGUA DE UPALA, COSTA RICA

From my balcony, all I could see was green: massive banana leaves, moss-covered tree trunks, and green-throated birds soaring overhead. Set in Costa Rica’s northern Bijagua region, Origins Astral Lodge has only seven villas. The two-to-four-bedroom accommodations, designed by architecture firm Gensler, have handcrafted furniture made from wood that naturally fell in the surrounding rainforest. By the end of my stay, while taking in the view from the spa’s Jacuzzi, I found myself naming parts of the landscape I was unaware of just three days earlier. There was a ficus tree directly next to the spa deck, a white hawk flying just below the clouds, and the leaves of a cecropia tree, where sloths typically sleep, peeking into my periphery. I learned all of this from staff, who grew up in the area and guided my excursions, including a night nature walk—yet it barely scratched the surface of what the forest has to teach. Doubles from $800. —Jess Feldman

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PARK HYATT TOKYO

I worried the main setting of Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation would be unrecognizable when it reopened after a 19-month renovation. I still think fondly of past stays, with the dim washi-paper lighting and late-night whiskey in the film-famous New York Bar on the 52nd floor. That's why, on a recent visit, I was relieved to find that the Park Hyatt Tokyo felt familiar as soon as the elevator doors slid open into the 41st-floor Peak Lounge. Paris-based studio Jouin Manku, which led the refresh, stayed largely faithful to the original interiors American designer John Morford drew up when the hotel opened in 1994. The guest rooms have received the most noticeable makeover: Morford's signature turquoise-green carpets have been swapped for ones a few shades lighter, and the new taupe color palette brings the rooms, for better or for worse, closer to the broader Park Hyatt style. The hotel's most iconic spaces, like the book-lined library corridor and the pool underneath a glass ceiling, have been restored almost exactly as longtime guests remember them. Purists may squabble over the edits, but for me, the recalibrated balance between comfort and nostalgia feels just right. Doubles from $1,019. —Chris Schalkx

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PATINA OSAKA, JAPAN

Patina Osaka faces Osaka Castle, and the design ethos of the 16th-century relic seeps into the newly built 221-room hotel. Grounded yet ethereal, there are shapely Setouchi granite sculptures and delicate washi paper headboards that mirror the castle’s massive stone walls; the green of the monument’s roof shows up in fluffy spa bathrobes, soft pajamas, and towels at the gorgeous indoor pool and onsen -like Jacuzzi. With video artwork, a long canvas incorporating dirt unearthed during construction, and a 6,000-strong vinyl collection, I found Patina’s diverse creative expressions energizing. The city beyond warrants exploring, of course, but Patina Osaka makes a strong argument for staying in to start the day with a curated soundscape in The Listening Room or a simple meditation and cup of tea on your room’s tatami daybed. There’s a bountiful breakfast at Basque-leaning Iñaki, thoughtful cocktails at glowy Sonata Bar & Lounge, seasonal high tea beside an indigo-dyed spiral staircase, an urban garden to wander, and fermentation workshops with the culinary director. The 15,000-square-foot Patina Wellness floor is a haven for intentional health-tech sessions (think cryo and hyperbaric oxygen therapies) alongside sublime spa treatments. I relished the combo of a red LED light bed with a highly sensorial, feel-good facial. Doubles from $558. — Kathryn Romeyn

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PENSIONE AMERICA, FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY

Forte dei Marmi, a small Tuscan beach town tucked between the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps, is the chic setting for the latest opening from Italian family-owned group Collezione Em. Pensione America , tucked on a quiet neighborhood street just a two minute bike ride from the beach, takes its design cue from the area’s posh, seaside energy of summer. The property is packed with high-end touches by Italian artisans and inspired by the tradition of villeggiatura , or the Italian tradition of a seasonal move out of the city and to the sea or countryside. Each of the 17 rooms and suites, as well as the two-story, two-bedroom villa, are luxuriously appointed, featuring hand-painted wallpaper by the Italian designer Elena Carozzi, bathrooms lined with Sicilian ceramic tile, and intimate private terraces or verandas. The restaurant’s purpose shifts throughout the day: breakfast becomes lunch becomes complimentary afternoon tea and cookies. Aperitivo transitions seamlessly into dinner; all are taken alfresco under the veranda’s shade. No matter the time of day, dishes skew seasonal and fresh, with a focus on ingredients that speak to the Italian coast. While I could have spent the whole of a day lounging on the plush loungers by the property’s immaculate pool, in Forte dei Marmi you are never far from—or long able to resist the call of—the sea. The same family who owns Pensione America also owns Bagno Assunta, a beach club just down the road, where the stylish sunbeds, tents, and umbrellas closest to the water’s edge are reserved for guests of the property. Doubles from $1,600. — Rebekah Peppler

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PROSPECT BERKSHIRES, MASSACHUSETTS

On a revitalized lakeshore in the southern part of Western Massachusetts, Prospect Berkshires is the region’s newest respite, set on a secluded, 30-acre natural paradise—only a 10-minute drive from the bustle of Great Barrington. For owners Ian Rasch and his wife Jade-Snow Carroll, who grew up two miles down the road, this year-round, community-driven retreat is as much an homage to its setting as it is a dreamy nod to formative summers spent camping in Cape Cod and in Norwegian hyttes —cozy, wooden cabins symbolizing closeness to nature. Designed for families and couples, the 49 modernized cabins are nestled amidst soaring white pine trees and a picturesque lake. The biophilic architecture, a major collaboration led by Rasch and partner Roman Montano at their design-build firm Alander, includes an ecological restoration of the entire site, such as constructed wetlands to improve the riparian edge and water quality of the lake. With a stay here, one can slurp on spiked slushies at the pool, savor a fresh catch on the waterfront porch at the Cliff House restaurant, or enjoy a guided stand-up paddleboard class at sunset. After a few short days, simple pleasures like a walk in the woods, a cold plunge, a good meal—and a dragonfly literally resting on my hand—were enough to send me back out into the world feeling a little more present than before. Doubles from $195 per night.  — Lauren Matison

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QUERCUS, GAY, GEORGIA

I knew Quercus was something special the second I pulled onto the 3,800-acre property in the tiny town of Gay, Georgia. The land has been in owner Chiara Visconti di Modrone’s family for decades, serving as a hunting reserve, a cattle and horse ranch, a working farm, and, now, an all-inclusive luxury resort. Each of the four standalone guest cabins is outfitted with organic mattresses, indoor wood-burning stoves, well-stocked kitchenettes, and breezy front porches. On the culinary side, chef Ryan Smith and his team leverage their expertise at 30-seat Uberto and source ingredients from the property’s biodynamic vegetable garden. When guests aren’t in their cabins or enjoying a meal, they’re fishing, kayaking, rucking, or connecting with horses through a liberty training program. Outdoor wood-fired saunas and cold plunges were just added to each cabin, four more rooms (one with an ADA-compliant suite) will be available to book later this year, and Quercus is Georgia’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant—rightfully claiming its spot among the very best in hospitality. Cabins from $2,700 per night. — Lydia Mansel

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RAFFLES SENTOSA SINGAPORE

Raffles Singapore first opened its doors 138 years ago. Now, a 15-minute drive and hefty vibe shift from the original hotel, a second property welcomes guests on the island of Sentosa. The all-villa layout of Raffles Sentosa Singapore delivers solitude in the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities—a place where floating in one’s private pool has the potential to be the most strenuous cardio routine of the day. Butler service is on hand to do everything from unpack your bags to draw an evening bath alongside a cup of chamomile tea (or, in my case, deliver an unprompted—but much appreciated—extra serving of delicious local kaya toast). Neutral tones, coffered ceilings, and large private swimming pools abound across each of the resort’s 62 villas, which start at more than 2,000 square feet for entry-level one-bedroom pool villas. Mealtimes range from Cantonese tasting menus at the sleek Royal China to jazz-backed Italian at the poolside Empire Grill. And nightcaps should never be skipped at The Chairman’s Room, a dimly lit nod to speakeasies. Doubles from $1,089. — Cameron Sperance

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ROKI COLLECTION QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

I arrived at Queenstown airport to find a jet-black Rolls Royce Cullinan with custom orange upholstery awaiting to spirit me away to Roki Collection Queenstown , the latest luxury hideaway on New Zealand’s South Island. This pick-up set the tone for my entire trip. The 15-suite hotel beside Lake Wakatipu has a dramatic exterior; its five stories of stacked schist and glass angled for cinematic views across glacial waters and the snow-streaked Southern Alps. Inside, interior designer Virginia Fisher, the go-to creative for New Zealand’s top lodges, deploys her usual flair for symmetry and visual surprises with gold-specked plaster walls and nacre tiling, without compromising the view seen from the massive windows. Accommodations at ROKI—meaning peace and tranquility in Māori language—range from 540-square-feet junior suites to the four-bedroom ROKI suite, with almost 6000 square feet of living space, terraces, and a jacuzzi. All rooms have fireplaces, island baths, and neutral notes that evoke an aura of calm. At the subterranean spa, ROKI Pure, guests can receive minimum two-hour treatments or tailored individual well-being programs. Facilities include a 24/7 gym and classical Roman-style pool adorned with limestone columns and vaulted ceilings. 

At Essence, the flagship restaurant, culinary director Paul Froggatt brings his Franco-British training to bear on tasting menus showcasing New Zealand produce, like Fiordland lobster and hyperlocal lamb, in sometimes whimsical ways. All of it is paired expertly with wines from the 15,000-strong cellar. For more casual dining head to the lakeside Terrace, or the shimmering Library Bar for first-class cocktails. The exemplary service at the hotel extends beyond into the adventure capital of Queenstown; the hotel concierge will arrange gear and heli transfers to ski fields, or dispatch guests on hikes, winery tours, and scenic flights over the Southern Alps. Doubles from $1,609. —Kendall Hill

ROSEMEAD HOUSE, VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA

The decadence is in the details at Rosemead House , a maximalist-design fever dream on Vancouver Island. Owner Lenny Moy collected 1,500 antiques from movie and TV sets, his favorite London hotels, and at least 50 British estates then wove them into the 118-year-old manor’s lavish redesign. The result is a money-is-no-object rebirth of a previously staid property. Rosemead’s quiet neighborhood location, a short drive away from busy downtown Victoria makes it feel like a country estate. Its old-meets-new mash-up begins at street level with the very Buckingham Palace gates used on the set of Netflix’s The Crown , and continues into each of the 41 unique guest rooms where Edwardian writing desks, gilded-framed mirrors, and paintings co-exist with patterned William Morris wallpaper, high-tech Kohler bidets, and $23,000 Duxiana mattresses.

“Each suite is like a real-life museum,” says Moy. I couldn’t get enough of the manor’s historic architectural quirks—original stained-glass windows, exposed timber trusses, the skinny staircase leading up to my bedroom. Even dinner at on-site Janevca restaurant took on a different depth when my peach melba dessert, itself flawlessly encased in marzipan to look like a real peach, was plated on historic dinnerware sourced from The Savoy in London. No stay is complete without a touch of wellness, of course, and for that Salt & Ivy spa offers detoxifying treatments using fresh locally sourced seaweed and a Peloton-equipped, two-story fitness center. And just five minutes away, oceanfront walking paths are set alongside rare, flowering maritime meadows that grow abundant in the salty Salish Sea air. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $253. — Katie Nanton

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ROSEWOOD AMSTERDAM

After a decade-long wait, Amsterdam’s former Palace of Justice has made its grand re-entry into the Dutch capital as Rosewood Amsterdam. Set along the prestigious Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), the project is one locals have been watching with curiosity. Largely dressed by Dutch design darling Piet Boon, the 134-room hotel is home to a 1,000-piece contemporary art collection that softens the severity of its 17th-century bones. The lobby, modeled after the nearby Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honor, has gravitas, yes, but more importantly, a sense of conviviality. It feels like the city’s public living room rather than a hushed museum. Art is everywhere, from geometric and colorful Frank Stellas to a vending machine dispensing limited-edition Casper Braat sculptures of stroopwafels and canal houses (though the €800 marble joints had already sold out by my visit three days after the hotel’s opening).

At the hotel’s vibey bar Advocatuur, a custom copper still produces house-made jenever, while twin tandoori ovens nod to the city’s Indian community. (Ask to see the former holding cell turned tasting room, for a kopstoot —a jenever shot with a beer chaser.) Other standouts include the tulip-studded courtyard, with a garden landscaped by Piet Oudolf (New York’s High Line; Chicago’s Lurie Garden in Millennium Park) serving tea and tompouces , a Dutch take on the mille-feuille. The hotel may be new, but it already belongs. Doubles from $1,395. —Nicole Trilivas

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ROSEWOOD MANDARINA, EL MONTEÓN, MEXICO

At the resort complex Mandarina, which comprises several properties across 565 acres on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, guests are spoiled for choice. There are four ziplines soaring across the jungle, pickleball courts, hiking trails, and riding stables. And yet, at the newly opened Rosewood Mandarina , the best thing to do might simply be nothing at all. There’s a mile-long beach and four sprawling main pools, but each of the 134 rooms also has its own plunge pool. The rooms are spread between various ecosystems—the beach, the flatlands, and the mountains—making the resort feel like three distinct boutique hotels. La Cocina, one of the property’s three restaurants, felt, to me, like an open-air art gallery more than a restaurant, with wooden shelves displaying ceramics and beaded figurines made by the area’s Indigenous Wixárika community. On my last evening, I had a dinner of charred shrimp aguachile and lobster tacos, served with fresh tortillas hot off the comal in the open kitchen, and took a carajillo down to the water to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $1,100 . —Maya Kachroo-Levine

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ROSEWOOD MIYAKOJIMA, JAPAN

After zipping past fields of bamboo stalks and quiet countryside, I arrived at Rosewood Miyakojima . At Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' first property in Japan, 55 villas stretch across a private peninsula surrounded by vegetation and Miyakojima’s famous blue waters. At every turn, the sea is the star of the show—so much so that it has its own nickname: Miyako blue. Guests can choose to settle in cliffside retreats or at the tip of the peninsula, where three show-stopping villas include dedicated butler service and terraces with a grill and private pool. Okinawan craftsmanship shines throughout the interiors, with touches that include screen prints made of Miyako jofu , a delicate textile that’s been handwoven from the fibers of the ramie plant since the 15th century. Four restaurants celebrate the nutrient-rich produce of the region that has contributed to the longevity of so many of its residents (Miyakojima is part of the Ryukyu Islands, known as one of the world's famed Blue Zones ). Naturally fermented miso, peanut-infused tofu, and fresh catches of the day guide the diverse menus. My favorite restaurant was Maas, helmed by chef Tokijiro Namada. It was a treat to pull up barside and watch Namada meticulously prepare grouper speared each night by fishermen in the nearby bay. The property’s Asaya Spa taps into the islands’ legacy of wellness with Okinawan healing rituals that include an herbal compress made of Miyako Island sea salt to promote relaxation. Doubles from $1,137. —Kristin Braswell

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ROX RESORT, COPENHAGEN

When visitors to Denmark’s capital have their fill of palace peeping, astonishing architecture, and artful Nordic dishes, they can find refuge in Rox Resort . Just a 40-minute drive southwest of Tivoli Gardens, the 156-room property is a coastal reprieve in the old-world, cobblestoned town of Køge. Part of the Nordic ESS Group collection of hotels, Rox meshes soothing Scandinavian minimalism with a welcome moodiness. Warm wood and rattan are juxtaposed with exuberant patterns (think scalloped headboards), and swaths of mirror and brass, eliciting a glamorous but grounded ambiance. At the centerpiece is the rooftop pool club. Here, guests sprawl out on copious pillow-thronged loungers and sip on clarified piña coladas. After a few dips in the pool (there’s another one on the terrace, too), they don their robes to feast on braised beef dumplings at the bar, then partake in sauna sessions amplified by views seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. The greenery-bedecked restaurant, R.F. Smith, located just off the lobby, blends the clubby spirit of a steakhouse with a jolt of Sichuan soul, resulting in creations like spicy burrata with pickled tomato, scallions, and crispy chiles, and classic steak frites followed by baked Alaska. But the night doesn’t end there, for there are Chardonnay-accented gin martinis to savor from the petite floral–wrapped bar at Birdcage. While wandering through Køge and stopping at brewery and micro-distillery Braunstein for a guided whisky and beer tasting is essential, Rox is the idyllic getaway to return to. Doubles from $306 . — Alia Akkam

SARISKA LODGE, ALWAR, INDIA

Spread across 15 acres, this 11-cottage lodge, located right beside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, manages to be both spacious and intimate. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by co-owner Anand Shekhawat and his wife, Rie, who live at the Sariska Lodge . After years working at Aman resorts across India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, Anand brings echoes of the brand’s ethos to his very own hotel. High-quality craftsmanship—like the common space’s dark-wood pillars, reclaimed from Rajasthan’s crumbling havelis —is paired with standout accessories within each suite (think Häfele kettles and organic toiletries smelling of neroli and ylang-ylang). Service is both unobtrusive and thoughtful. Guests are paired with a butler who becomes a single point of contact throughout the stay, curating experiences on- and off-property. One such excursion: I hiked up a Tehla fort to find breakfast waiting at the top; following a drive through the neighbouring town, I was taken to a local women’s home where I watched her hand-make carpets. The perfect end to these excursions is an Ayurvedic massage at the spa, with its striking blue metal door. Safaris into Sariska may yield great sightings of the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, or hyena. For birdwatchers like me, there are 200 species of birds around the property alone. Doubles from $422. — Shoba Narayan

SHAKTI PRANA, KUMAON, INDIA

Through the floor-to-ceiling window in front of my bed, I could see layers of ice and shadow on the face of Nanda Devi, one of India’s highest mountains. I could happily have spent the morning in silence, watching the sunlight and clouds move across the peaks. But I had trails to hike. I’d come to Shakti Prana, a seven-cabin property that opened last October, to explore Kumaon, a region in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Prana is part of the portfolio of Shakti Himalaya—a tour operator that pioneered the "village trekking” concept in the Indian Himalayas when it launched in 2006—and is the new crown jewel in the brand’s circuit. Reaching Prana is part of the appeal. On daily guided treks that can be as gentle or strenuous as you like, guests spend a night at Shakti’s guest houses in the villages of Kana, Jwalabanj, or Pancachuli, gradually working farther north. Once at Prana, guests are met with views of the Ramganga River and the ever-present peaks, as well as a minimal interior design paired with yak-hair rugs, earth-toned linens, and wood stoves for chilly nights. Communal multi-course meals—consisting of the dals, roti, and paneers you’d expect, plus beautifully plated mains like baked catfish—take place in the main house.

What I found most enchanting about Prana—aside from its astounding natural setting—was the subtle care of the staff, many of whom were born in the region. Every morning, I received tea or coffee with nutty biscuits; after finishing a hike, a cold towel magically appeared in my hand. One day, while on a rigorous, 10-mile hike with my guide Rohan, and Pradeep, who helped with my bags and meals, we came across a shepherd moving his flock of sheep and goats. He exchanged greetings with Rohan and Pradeep, and carried on his way. Later, Rohan mentioned that the man was Pradeep’s father. It was this connection between the land and the people, in a place so foreign to me, but so personal to them, that seared Prana into my memory. Doubles from $3,004, all-inclusive. —Elizabeth Cantrell

SIRO BOKA PLACE, TIVAT, MONTENEGRO

A magnet for the international jet-setter, Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor may not seem the most obvious setting for a hospitality brand as health- and fitness-obsessed as Siro—the younger and more accessible sibling to One&Only Resorts. Yet within a year of its spring 2025 opening—and just the second for the brand—the 240-room Siro Boka Place has established itself as a center of gravity within the glitzy area. Like its counterpart in Dubai, the high-rise hotel comes equipped with all the biohacking-ready bells and whistles: there are nutrient-balanced menus; Scandi-chic rooms outfitted with temperature-regulating mattresses and pull-up bars; and a 17,222-square-foot fitness lab, with classes developed in partnership with AC Milan and Olympic boxer Ramla Ali. But as I discovered during my three-day stay, Siro Boka Place truly excels as a launchpad for outdoor adventure in this mountain-ridged corner of Montenegro. The concierge can arrange bike rides through Lovćen National Park, white-water rafting in the Tara River Gorge, or even sailing excursions with Montenegrin Olympic sailor Milivoj Dukić. Between activities, I refueled with protein shakes at the smoothie bar and nutrient-rich dishes at Siro Table, where Mediterranean plates such as Adriatic sea bass crudo with fermented tomato consommé are served alongside regional specialties like mućkalica (a slow-cooked barbecue meat stew). This being a hotel with a refreshingly relaxed take on wellness, many guests forgo high-intensity training altogether in favor of the property’s softer pleasures, including a climate-controlled pool with sweeping bay views and alternative therapies like myofascial cupping at the Recovery Lab spa. Doubles from $160. — Siobhan Reid

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SOORI PENANG, GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA

The latest opening in Malaysia’s food capital is an ode to the state’s multicultural character and architectural style that embodies it: shophouses. These two-story buildings—with pastel façades, ornate plasterwork, and wood shutters—once contained the businesses and residences of Chinese and Indian migrants, and are now a main attraction on any Southeast Asian itinerary. Hotelier and architect Soo K. Chan once lived in his family’s compound of shophouses. Now he’s turned 15 of them into Soori Penang , built around two rows leading to Khoo Kongsi, a mosaic-filled temple that is one of the area’s most popular sites. The temple serves as the backdrop to and inspiration for Soori Penang. Replicas of its shishi , or stone lions, protect the doorways of each of the 13 suites, which honor the traditional layout. A long interior space is centered around each building’s original air vent—now a dramatic skylight—and a reflective pool with a fountain modeled after the stone rice-grinder once used by Chan’s grandmother to prepare meals for festivities. The hotel’s walkway is a busy thoroughfare until the compound’s gates close at 5 p.m., when guests have the courtyard overlooking the temple all to themselves. Just as the design distills the essence of shophouse living, so does the stay. Enjoy meals of local delicacies like koay teow th'ng , a slightly sweet and savory noodle soup, in the open-air courtyard; tastings of herbal blends in a dedicated tea room; and guided trishaw rides through George Town’s historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, where mansions, temples, and mosques live side by side. Doubles from $785. — Erin Riley

THE CARLTON, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL, MILAN, ITALY

In Milan, where fashion is currency, it stands to reason that hotels need to bring their A-game. When I checked into the hotel in the city’s Quadrilatero della Moda—on its opening night—the energy was palpable, the culmination of five years and $70 million in renovations. The former Casa Baglioni Milan hotel is transformed: the designers, led by Lady Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte’s deputy chair and director of design, added two new floors for a total of 71 spacious rooms and suites (four are fully wheelchair accessible, as are all of the main floor public spaces). Throughout, residential design elements evoke the building's former life as a noble home, with paintings and sculptures from noteworthy artists, as well as antiques sourced from Polizzi’s global travels. Rooms clad in creamy neutrals are accented with sage green, garnet, and gold, setting the scene for dreamy king-size beds with leather headboards, Art Deco–inspired seating vignettes, and plush graphic rugs. Marble-clad bathrooms come with spa showers, soaking tubs, and built-in Bose speakers. A subterranean floor houses the 3,000-square-foot Irene Forte Spa’s three treatment rooms, where guests can indulge in massages and facials using products from the spa’s eponymous line, its ingredients sourced from the brand’s organic farm in Sicily. I spent an aperitivo hour at The Carlton Bar, as a steady stream of fashion industry types congregated to order theatrical cocktails, followed by dinner at 40-seat Spiga, which elegantly presents dishes such as ossobuco ravioli with candied lemons and tomatoes. Daytime meals are enjoyed at the green house–inspired Café Floretta, under a glass dome and festooned with a proliferation of verdant live plants. Doubles from $1,607. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin

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THE CHANCERY ROSEWOOD, LONDON

All eyes have been on the west side of London’s Grosvenor Square since the former American Embassy went under construction in 2017. The Grade II-listed modernist triumph by Finnish maverick architect Eero Saarinen initially opened in 1960. Sixty-five years later, it has become Rosewood’s second London outpost, reconfigured by David Chipperfield Architects. During my stay, the hotel’s lobby felt buzzy with a mix of locals popping in to have a look, international guests checking in on sofas, and Mayfair hedgefunders heading to the Eagle Bar on the rooftop for a Thursday night cocktail (Thursday is the new Friday in this part of town; by Friday, everyone is in the Cotswolds). On the terrace, you can down a martini at lunch next to the former embassy’s iconic golden eagle, a 35-foot-wide symbol of hegemony and hard power, beadily surveying all of London. The “suite-only” hotel has 144 enormous rooms kitted out with beautiful furnishings from French design house Joseph Dirand and stunning views over the park in the middle of Grosvenor Square. I dined in Serra, the excellent first-floor restaurant named for the American modernist Richard Serra, which focuses on pan-Mediterranean dishes, like the Greek koulouri bread with babaganoush I washed down with a Super Tuscan wine. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $1,880. — Rebecca Rose

THE COMPTON, BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS

This design-minded hotel feels like it’s always been part of charming downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. Descending a grand staircase the morning after my late-night arrival, I found the sunlit, two-story atrium lobby positively buzzing with fellow guests and locals—meeting for coffee and housemade pistachio cruffins from grab-and-go café Field Notes, huddled over laptops at communal tables, and reading by a blazing fireplace. 

“We really want to welcome the local community here,” Jorg Wesche, the property’s general manager, told me. As much as the hotel embraces its neighbors, it's equally adept at helping guests tap into the best of Bentonville—the blossoming art-and-culture destination, home to Walmart headquarters and a T+L Where to Go 2026 pick. A Cycling Concierge, powered by local outfitter 37 North, set me up with a guided e-bike tour along some of the area's 400-plus miles of trails, including paths that wound me past world-class outdoor sculptures at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art . That sense of place runs through the hotel itself, too: a dramatic Ozark-limestone wall anchors the lobby, and a library nook is stocked with regional folklore and natural history books paying homage to the hotel's namesake, local conservationist Dr. Neil Compton. After a long day of exploring, at golden hour I settled in at the Eddy, the hotel’s polished second-floor bar, for a turmeric-infused gin cocktail with a view over the town square. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $350. — Regan Stephens

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THE FARM, ELEUTHERA ISLAND, BAHAMAS

There it was, almost appearing out of nowhere in the tropical brush: an expansive piece of property with swaying palm trees, 200 sweet-smelling garden beds, and thatched-roofed cottages scattered along the outer edges. “It's a little oasis in the jungle,” says Ben Simmons, founder of Eleuthera’s The Farm . This 12-cottage property stands out from Simmons’ Little Island Hotel chain in the Bahamas, with its centerpiece working farm, where fresh vegetables, fruit, and eggs from its 70 clucking chickens, are used in the open-air restaurant. Simplicity is key: breakfast is complimentary, lunch and dinner are whatever was caught that day out at sea, and Sunday communal brunches are served under the ornate yellow elder trees. While here, you can make yourself a mojito at the serve-yourself bar with fresh mint leaves and enjoy it on your private veranda, or challenge a partner to a game at the outdoor billiards or ping-pong table. You can otherwise laze the day away at the sparkling, 576-square-foot freshwater pool, or take a five-minute walk over to the sibling coastal property, The Other Side, which all guests have access to. The sea turtles you’ll see snorkeling will outnumber the actual number of people on the private beach. Doubles from $600. — Matthew Monagan

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THE FLORENTIN BY ALTHOFF COLLECTION, FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Once Rocco Forte’s Villa Kennedy, this wildly stylish hotel has a new life at The Florentin . Unscripted Design, the Singapore-based design studio that has collaborated with several Aman resorts, worked on the main public spaces—including the leafy central courtyard--and the 147 rooms. They successfully created sophisticated spaces of serene minimalism, using rich natural materials like marble and oak wood which is best showcased in the generous bedrooms and the wellness area complete with an indoor pool. Meanwhile atelier Zurich, known for its eclectic joyful designs mostly when it comes to modernizing old world Swiss hotels, were tapped to create cinematic spaces such as the ambitious fine-dining restaurant, The Dune, and several lounges in the original villa, all of which emanate Old World gravitas. Guests only have to walk 20 minutes to arrive at the city’s Museumsufer, a row of world class riverside museums that showcase everything from fine art to film. Doubles from $568. —Gisela Williams

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THE KENRICK HOTEL, BANFF, CANADA

The Kenrick Hotel opened as Banff’s newest boutique stay, filling a long-overdue niche in a town where high-end rooms often carry sky-high prices. On Banff’s main avenue, it’s steps from a bus stop linking to the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular sights. The Kenrick’s design strikes a balance between modern elegance and Alpine warmth. The lobby sets the tone with a high wood-beam ceiling, cozy fireplaces, and bookshelves filled with titles on local mountain culture. The 67-room locally owned hotel builds on the legacy of the original Kenric Motel , which first welcomed travelers six decades ago—long enough for locals like me to have our heads turned by this latest iteration. Tech-forward touches, including a 24/7 text concierge, meet old-school perks, like a record player delivered to my room. Beyond the vinyl library, guests can explore a wide selection of books and board games , some of which I brought back to my room with views of towering Cascade Mountain and Mount Norquay’s historic ski slope . But the real highlight is the hotel’s Nora Pool, where I spent the afternoon drifting between the saltwater pool, sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy circuit. The hotel’s vintage-styled restaurant, The Fat Ox , has generated local buzz for Italian dishes with an Alpine twist, from elk meatballs to bison Bolognese, plus a popular weekend brunch. Just off the lobby, Analog Coffee, the Calgary-born brand with an international following, serves drinks and pastries for guests in search of a treat before exploring the surrounding shops and trails. Doubles from $300. — Kendall Hunter

THE MERU SANUR, BALI, INDONESIA

Any preconceived notion I had when I heard the words “government-owned hotel” dissolved when I descended through a rough-hewn marble tunnel into the grand lobby of The Meru Sanur . The oceanfront, all-suite luxury hotel is the brainchild of the Indonesian government, as part of  its first health-focused special economic zone , centered on boosting health and wellness tourism in Bali. With elegant herringbone flooring, rich Indonesian artwork, and ironwood decor, The Meru’s 184 airy suites are kept private with teak screens and shaded by tropical greenery. Steps away, traditional Indonesian outrigger canoes called jukungs cluster along a golden stretch of Sanur Beach, a laid-back alternative to Bali’s far more hectic beach areas of Canggu and Seminyak. My days here consisted of swimming with my kids in the hotel’s Olympic-sized pool (Sanur’s largest) and making use of the resort’s beach cruisers to pedal together along the town’s winding coastal pathway lined with cafés and bars. I also took time for Balinese massages and sound healing therapies at the hotel’s indulgent Taru Pramana Spa while my children were whisked happily off to the hotel’s kids club. While the rice terraces of Ubud are just under an hour away, don’t be surprised if you feel the pull to stay put in the vicinity of The Meru and Sanur Beach, nicknamed the “Morning of the World” for its sublime sunrise glow. Doubles from $380. — Terry Ward

THE NEWMAN, LONDON

As a London local, I’ve long overlooked the central neighborhood of Fitzrovia. The Newman , a newly constructed, independently owned luxury boutique hotel, has put this relatively quiet, residential pocket on my radar. Named for the street on which it sits, the hotel is a jazzy little design number: Art Deco–adjacent geometrics, swirly marbles, and a coffeehouse palette of rich espressos and chocolatey mochas set the tone across its 81 rooms. Burr wood, custom art, and velvet furnishings are edited to a just-right mix, while bathrooms feature sculptural marble sinks and fragrant toiletries by London apothecary Anatomē. Downstairs, food and drink attract a local crowd: Brasserie Angelica serves fika -ready pastries, open-faced sandwiches, and Josper-grilled meats and fish, while the subterranean Gambit Bar leans into moody lighting, live DJs, and polished cocktails. A serious spa below ground seals the deal, offering a Nordic-style wellness circuit complete with a sauna, steam room, ice lounge, salt room, and vitality pool. I left feeling oddly at home in a neighborhood I’d rarely considered before, and newly convinced that Fitzrovia’s moment has arrived. Doubles from $934. —Nicole Trilivas

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THE NICKEL HOTEL, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Set along buzzy Upper King Street in the Cannonborough neighborhood, the 50-room hotel sits within walking distance of some of Charleston’s most compelling restaurants, bars, and cafés. On property, The Rosemary Rose, a rooftop lounge, serves cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, while Bar Daniel, on the second floor and named for Cannonborough founder Daniel Cannon, offers a quieter setting with light fare like ratatouille toast and chickpea fries. During my stay, I found myself returning to The Rosemary Rose more than once, drawn by the lively mix of locals and hotel guests. Personal highlights included the Swiss chard pastry—an unofficial staff favorite, I was told—and the snapper crudo. With standout restaurants nearby and easy morning solutions like Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit delivery, I didn’t feel the absence of a full-service restaurant. The Nickel’s design leans residential; my suite had the comforts of a well-appointed apartment, complete with a full kitchen and in-unit laundry. Beyond the rooms, guests can borrow complimentary bicycles, arrange private sailing excursions on Charleston Harbor, or book in-room massage treatments. Doubles from $460. —Susmita Baral

THE OBEROI RAJGARH PALACE, KHAJURAHO, INDIA

The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho officially opened to guests in November 2025, giving travelers another compelling reason to journey to this corner of Madhya Pradesh, near tiger-roamed Panna National Park and the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Anchored by the eponymous 350-year-old palace, the sprawling estate has only 66 rooms, divided between the historic palace and the more modern garden rooms, a few of which come with their own private pool. The 76-acre digs feel intimate and grand; I was often the only person wandering down the palace’s open-air arcaded corridor, admiring the latticed stonework and scalloped arches. And I always had my pick of tables at Maanya and Neerangan, the serene, well-staffed restaurants overlooking the Maniyagarh Hills. Although the hotel can set up tiger safaris and excursions to the 10th-century Khajuraho temples, the true essence of the stay is found in taking things slow. I tried sound healing and a 90-minute massage at the spa, followed by a cocktail at Amrava, the palace courtyard bar. I savored meditative walks through the gardens and by the lake, spotting monkeys and blooming bougainvillea along the way. While all public areas are accessible by wheelchair, and the hotel has a fleet of golf carts on hand for on-property transportation, there is only one room outfitted for guests with special needs. Doubles from $830 . —Lydia Mansel

THE OBEROI VINDHYAVILAS WILDLIFE RESORT, BANDHAVGARH

I spotted my first feline before I checked in. And I wasn’t surprised, given this 21-acre resort is so close to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which is home to around 150 Bengal tigers. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh feels like an African safari lodge—many of its 21 rooms have tented roofs, and either private gardens or small pools—but Indian touches shine through. The cocktails are inspired by characters from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book , which is famously set in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It's a four-hour drive from Jabalpur Airport, but my time in the car melted away after an Ayurvedic massage at the spa. I didn't come for the creature comforts, though—just the creatures. The bush walks and game drives got me all too close to the striped cats. My most memorable sighting was from the SUV, where I sipped my French-press coffee while a tigress idled in a pool 300 feet away. I was even surrounded by tigers when I returned to the hotel; they were embossed on brass dinner plates at the restaurant, which serves a rotating selection of thin-crust pizzas. Doubles from $650, all-inclusive . — Prasad Ramamurthy

THE PINNACLE KIGALI, RWANDA

Tucked into the quiet green hills of Rebero, a leafy enclave of Rwanda’s capital, lies Pinnacle Kigali —a home-turned-hotel owned by Sheila Kyarisiima, a Ugandan-Rwandan businesswoman. As of January 2026, the estate is the city’s first ultra-high-end hotel and one of the region’s only African- and female-operated properties. The building’s past life as a private residence is evident in the design. There’s a bright library lounge for quiet afternoons, a white-and-purple living room, and a green-hued Whiskey bar. The nine suites reflect chapters in the owner’s story; my blue-and-orange celestial room, with a complementary mini bar stocked with snacks and Rwandan coffee, is a tribute to Kyarisiima’s son, Ukwezi, whose name means “moon” in the Kinyarwanda language. Between meals at the property’s four restaurants—including a fine-dining destination and a rooftop with sweeping city views—there are endless activities to take part in. Guests can take dips in the infinity pool, play padel or basketball on the outdoor courts, go bowling in the arcade, indulge in sauna and steam-room sessions in the spa, and even have movie nights in the cinema. Guests are also privy to special events, like private concerts; Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido made an appearance during my stay. After a stay at Pinnacle Kigali, you’ll feel refreshed and energized, as if leaving a visit from a friend’s remarkable home. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $3,090. — Alicia Erickson

THE RITZ CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION LUMINARA

I was hesitant when boarding The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’ s Luminara for its first Asian voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong earlier this year. I’ve never considered myself a cruiser, but soon after settling into my suite—all marble, buttery leather, and heaps of space—it was clear this wasn’t the sort of cruise I’d come to dread. The Ritz-Carlton calls it a superyacht , for starters. The third vessel in the brand’s fleet is the largest so far, with a higher guest-to-space ratio than its predecessors. That means that between the 226 suites, there’s ample room for ambitious amenities: two hot tubs bubbling on the top deck; a lounger-lined main pool; and a second infinity pool at the rear, from where you can overlook its white-water wake with a makrut lime–spiked cocktail in hand. On calm days at anchor, a floating marina extends from Deck 3, stocked with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, plus a netted seawater pool for cold plunges. There are seven bars scattered across the ship for grazing between swims, and five restaurants, with no buffet in sight. Standouts include Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Seta Su Luminara for chi-chi, Italian-tinged tasting menus with heavenly wine pairings; the pan-Asian Haesu Bit, where sushi chefs slice sashimi behind a glass counter; and the light-flooded Azur, where menus change with the route (on my Southeast Asia sailing, it leaned heavily on Thai spices and Indonesian staples). Shore excursions ranged from vintage car rides through Ho Chi Minh City to a Bangkok food tour, but it was the sea days that won me over: rotating between the blissful spa and my balcony lounger. Chit-chat with fellow passengers often ended in a shared conclusion: this was precisely the kind of cruise—err, yacht voyage —for those who insist they don't like 'em. Accessible ship. Doubles from $8,800 per person, all-inclusive. —Chris Schalkx

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THE SIX BELLS COUNTRYSIDE INN, ROSENDALE, NEW YORK

“I like to build spaces that people can walk into and they feel like they're in a different reality,” said Audrey Gelman, an entrepreneur who founded The Wing coworking space, of her latest venture in New York’s Hudson Valley. The 11-room Six Bells Countryside Inn is a maximalist country-kitsch exploration. Each room within this 175-year-old building—reimagined alongside Gelman’s business partner Jeremy Selman of Line Hotels, and New York-based design firm Greco Deco—tells its own story. In Gelman’s favorite room, Lamplight, there’s a hand-painted mural by local artist Wally Whitehurst, as well as a king-size bed tucked behind theater-style curtains. The whimsical property, with its mismatched wallpaper, thrifted furniture, and colorful textiles, opened as an extension of its namesake housewares store in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. As such, it’s almost entirely shoppable, whether it’s the custom quilts in each guest room, or the Sabre silverware at 18-table The Feathers restaurant, which serves a European-style complimentary breakfast spread of soft-boiled eggs, fruit, and meats and cheeses. The Feathers also serves dinner for guests and off-property visitors, inspired by classic Americana flavors. I was very taken with the corn fritters, paired with crispy fried sage, and the genuine feeling of nostalgia that lingered throughout the inn. And yet, it’s the attentive touches—like the chocolate treat left on my bedside table at turndown, or the pot of coffee set out for my early-morning departure—that have me planning a return visit. Doubles from $350. —Jess Feldman

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THE ST. REGIS CAP CANA RESORT, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Situated in Cap Cana—an ultra-luxe, gated community on the eastern tip of the island—this 30,000-acre enclave has all the amenities that befit a master-planned community for the well-heeled, like a championship ocean-front golf course, expansive full-service marina, and an elite equestrian center. Fittingly, The St. Regis Cap Cana inherits its DNA from its famed great-grandfather: the New York businessman and real-estate magnate, John Jacob Astor IV. On property, subtle gilded influences abound—like a signature scent inspired by Astor’s mother—that seamlessly integrate with the modern, refined sensibility of the global brand. 

Upon arrival, I immediately sensed the thoughtful approach to easy island elegance that the hotel embodies (thanks, in part, to an excellent passion fruit and coconut water mocktail). There are many art installations honoring Dominican culture that make walking through the space feel like exploring a private gallery. There’s the towering, multi-floor waterfall that acts as the lobby’s centerpiece; and a large faceless doll mural (Muñecas Limé)—a known symbol of the cultural depth in the country—most of which are created by local artists. And in each of the 200 guest rooms, natural elements are on display, like the palatial open-concept bathrooms, locally inspired stone tile, and views of the palms just outside. When hunger strikes, the nine restaurants offer a range of fare, from poolside chips and guacamole to white tablecloth filet mignon with Béarnaise sauce. As a Trinidadian, I appreciated that The St. Regis Cap Cana has done the work to prioritize real moments of connection to the land and its people. Doubles from $376 . — Brigid Washington

THE SUNDAYS, WHITSUNDAYS, AUSTRALIA

For the first time in nearly two decades, a new hotel has arrived on Hamilton Island—the most accessible island in the Whitsundays, where Australians come to explore the scatter of 74 coral-fringed cays within the Great Barrier Reef. The Sundays is designed for families. Suites at the 59-room property are generously sized, blackout blinds safeguard nap schedules, and the kitchenette is stocked with Aussie treats to tide everyone over. One evening, I wandered to the main deck area to find pajama-clad children watching Moana during the Moonlight Movies session, while parents hovered nearby with cocktails in hand. Catseye Pool Club, led by celebrated Australian chef Josh Niland and his wife and business partner, Julie, added to the fun, with build-your-own flatbreads. Factor in direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, seamless airport transfers, and near-perfect weather, and you’ve got a property that nails the elusive sweet spot: elevated, yet relaxed enough for every generation. Doubles from $927 . —Alli Forde

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THE SYLVAN LODGE, JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

In Jackson Hole’s ever-expanding luxury hospitality scene, it sometimes feels as if the accommodation options blend together in a sea of earth tones, wood and stone accents, and other Wild West design choices. To stand out, a hotel must have something truly unique: an inimitable backstory, an enviable location, or an element of exclusivity. In June 2025, The Sylvan Lodge officially opened its doors within the Snake River Sporting Club, immediately checking all three boxes. “Sylvan” has a few definitions, but at its core, it refers to something that is “of the woods.” That theme is central to the design of this 38-key, Restoration Hardware–outfitted property. For example, each suite is named after a local tree, and the 10,000-square-foot spa has a heated pool deck and intimate lounge featuring natural wood finishes. A reservation here also grants incomparable access to the area. One can schedule a tee time at the club’s otherwise private Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, visit the five-stand skeet shooting range, book a trail ride along the Snake River, or lounge under an umbrella by the infinity-edge pool beneath the clubhouse. In the winter, the sporting club transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers. I think perhaps what impressed me most, though—aside from the sumptuous bathrobes and rooftop hot tubs—was the level of service: the graciously attentive housekeeping, the always-helpful front desk, the waitstaff at the clubhouse who consistently remembered my name. It’s this type of hospitality experience that ensures a hotel can rise to the occasion in a market as saturated as Jackson Hole. Doubles from $603. —Lydia Mansel

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THE TRAIL HOTEL, BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY

Bardstown, Kentucky (population 14,365) doesn’t get much foot traffic compared to neighbors Louisville or Lexington; typically, tourists swing through for a tasting or tour at one of the city’s 11 distilleries, and keep going. That changed last summer when The Trail Hotel debuted with 87 rooms and eight suites, all of which are just steps away from the pool and the largest hot tub in Kentucky. There’s also a speakeasy, an indoor golf simulator, and a rejuvenation lounge decked out with a sauna, a cryotherapy pod, an oxygen bar, and IV therapy. Dinner at Oak & Ember, with Kentucky burgoo and cornbread, is a must. I strayed from the pool or firepits only because I couldn’t resist the itinerary custom-designed by my personal “bourbon butler.” Within 48 hours of booking a room, a bourbon butler (similar to a concierge) will reach out to help book VIP distillery tours and cultural experiences, coordinating drivers, and even stocking your minibar with your favorite drinks. After a private grain-to-glass tour at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, I enjoyed a tour of My Old Kentucky Home before diving into small plates at downtown’s charming Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium—all thanks to the hotel team. Accessible hotel. Doubles from $149.— Karla Walsh

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THE WILDBIRCH HOTEL, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Alaska’s giant peaks and wildlife lure most visitors to the 49thstate, but the opening of The Wildbirch Hotel now gives them a reason to explore downtown Anchorage, too. The city’s first new lodging option in two decades shines a light on the state’s natural wonders, but also its talented artisans and craftspeople, with details like a front desk crafted from fly rod cases and painted salmon taxidermy from local artist Romney Dodd hanging on the walls. When I arrived, I immediately sensed that this was as much a community hub as it was a basecamp for visiting adventurers. Locals sipped coffees and worked on laptops by the lobby’s roaring fire; in the bar, happy hour was underway and a mixologist was pouring Misty Fjords spritzes. Wildbirch is part of the JdV by Hyatt portfolio, but nothing about the property feels cookie-cutter. Headboards carved with topographical maps pinpointing the summit of Denali and whimsical art by local muralist Ted Kim give the 252 rooms a distinctly Alaskan feel. Inclusivity was top of mind throughout the redesign: guests with mobility needs can choose from three types of accessible rooms, and elevators and ramps make public areas easy to reach. Many guests rise early to day trip to nearby Chugach State Park and the hotel accommodates with grab-and-go snacks and breakfast at Crimson restaurant starting at 6 a.m. A plate of reindeer hash fueled my morning bike ride along the nearby Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. When I returned, I rewarded my efforts with a Wolf Pack Pilsner on the heated patio and marveled as an eagle flew overhead. Doubles from $179. — Jen Murphy

TELLA THERA, CRETE, GREECE

Tech industry veterans Loukas Tourkomanis and Chevon Low, who met working at Airbnb, traded algorithms for olive groves to create western Crete's most compelling new retreat. Tella Thera , with 20 suites and one villa, is shrouded behind an expansive olive grove in rural Kissamos. It ascends the hillside like ancient cave dwellings modernized through a Cretan lens, all sandy curves and weathered rock by Greek design firm Pieris.Architects. The micro-cement rooms and cave-like corridors feel hollowed from the earth itself, with handcrafted oak furniture by local woodworkers. The architecture feeds the eyes, but on-site restaurant Anemoia feeds something deeper—chef Markos Marmatakis's zero-waste kitchen transforms citrus rinds into sorbets and childhood memories into desserts (don’t miss his riff on bread with olive oil and sugar, a Cretan staple). The petite Thaleria Spa's magnesium pool proved unexpectedly restorative after a day trip to Balos Beach, while the main pool—an oval worthy of Poseidon's approval—is the property's social nucleus by day, stargazing sanctuary by night. I favored my terrace plunge pool, watching kri-kri goats navigate the hillside while sipping cardamom-passion fruit cocktails. Doubles from $413. — Paul Jebara

TIERRA ATACAMA, CHILE

Could you see yourself riding a bike 11 miles to a salt-crusted turquoise lagoon, where you can wade in and float? Would a five-hour horseback ride to the Salt Mountains sate your craving for adventure, or do you prefer a more contemplative pursuit, such as a high-altitude walk with rainbow-colored valley views? These are the kinds of questions my guide asked me when I checked into Tierra Atacama , a 28-room lodge in northern Chile’s high-altitude Atacama Desert, which reopened last April after a $20-million refresh. I stayed in one of four luxurious 753-square-foot suites, with a fireplace, plunge pool, and indoor-outdoor shower, topped off with gorgeous views of the Licancabur Volcano. Suite guests also get their own dedicated guide to plan each day’s adventures; my excursions included soaking in hot springs pools and ascending to El Tatio, one of the largest and highest geysers in the world. Back at the hotel, executive chef Andrés Donoso Cancino works almost exclusively with Chilean producers and grows fruits in the hotel’s garden, including pomegranates and figs. I tried a Fire Night, held twice a week, where the kitchen staff prepare meats on an enormous outdoor grill. The 5,380-square-foot Uma Spa made for a lovely place to relax after an active day of adventuring, especially the outdoor hot tub. And though I spent my days exploring, I returned each evening to creature comforts like a humidifier in my room that eased the dryness from the desert air and tea made with rica rica , a Chilean medicinal herb that can help combat altitude sickness. I found that, after sky-high experiences, it was the little things like these that kept me grounded. Doubles from $2,050, all-inclusive. — Liz Humphreys

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TINAJANI, ALTIPLANO, PERU

The latest outpost in Peruvian tour operator Andean's string of lodges across southern Peru wasn't meant to be a destination. Tinajani , a six-bedroom camp pitched up in a bottleneck of the Tinajani Canyon, was originally planned as a practical stopover to break up the eight-hour journey between two of the brand’s camps. But what came to fruition was much more ambitious. Fanned around a beautifully restored hacienda from the early 19th century, the six safari-style "campamentos" each consist of two canvas tents (one is a stove-warmed lounge, the other a bed and bathroom), linked by a shaded wooden deck and private hot tub. At night, thoughtful touches make the high-altitude chill bearable: beds are made with thick wool blankets; turn-down service includes hot water bottles tucked between the sheets; and guests are gifted alpaca-wool socks handwoven by artisans from the Pacobamba community near Cusco. Days here are filled with guided hikes around the canyon and the surrounding mountains, which, despite their incredibly picturesque landscapes of red rock pinnacles and writhing streams, are blissfully free of crowds. Meals, served in the adobe-walled main dining room or as pop-up picnics elsewhere in the valley, draw on local staples to create dishes of slow-roasted lamb, hearty Peruvian chicken stew, or smoked trout with capers and lemon sauce. After dark, guests gather around the fireplace with a Pisco sour or steaming muña tea, occasionally popping outside to gaze at a star-spangled sky, against which the canyon's walls appear as otherworldly silhouettes. And sure, while those in a hurry might only spend a night, you'll want to book a few more—with Tinajani, Andean has carved out a fresh destination worth lingering in. Doubles from $1,217, all-inclusive. —Chris Schalkx

UXUA MARÉ, TRANCOSO, BRAZIL

In 2008, Dutchman Wilbert Das and his American partner Bob Shevlin helped transform the sleepy fishing village of Trancoso into one of Brazil’s buzziest resort towns with the opening of Uxua Casa Hotel. Nearly two decades later, they’re at it again with a second property, Uxua Maré , located about 20 minutes south on the serene Itapororoca Beach. Uxua Maré is the happy accident of two serendipitous events. First, Shevlin got word of a 15-acre property for sale on his favorite stretch of sand in the region. Soon after purchasing it, Das learned about three historic farmhouses in Minas Gerais that were slated for demolition. “I told them to number every piece, send it to us, and we’d put the houses back together like a jigsaw,” he recalled. The reimagined farmhouses opened last July, now set improbably within the Atlantic Forest, steps from Itapororoca. The modern-rustic casas —with between one and three bedrooms—carry the patina of history thanks to upcycled wood, eclectic curios, and hand-crafted furnishings made by Das (the former creative director of Diesel) and his collaborators. Each comes with a private beach pergola and meals curated by chef Renata Buim, who sources ingredients from the UXUA Roça organic farm. Doubles from $900. — Mark Johanson

VETERA MATERA, BASILICATA, ITALY

To create Vetera Matera , the only luxury albergo diffuso in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, it took eight years of carefully restoring cave houses in the hilltop town of Matera. In southern Italy’s Basilicata region, this plush property features 23 rooms, including eight suites. When I checked in to Master Suite 5, a stylish subterranean cave house, I found contemporary Italian style, with timber, iron, and travertine crafted by local artisans. Suites on higher floors offer views of Matera, some with vaulted ceilings and terraces. At Artema restaurant, tasting menus for dinner follow the seasons. Expect delicate, delicious starters such as savory éclairs with red prawns and spring onion panna cotta. The Elysium Spa is an actual cave spa hewn from rock. In the calidarium, powerful hydromassage jets pummel away at my weary muscles. Guides picked by the hotel lead walking tours of the Sassi of Matera and the nearby town of Altamura; a highlight for me was visiting one of Italy’s oldest printing presses and a cheese tasting at Caseificio Dicecca, a favorite of Stanley Tucci’s. Doubles from $344. — Helen Iatrou

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VESTIGE SON ERMITÀ, MENORCA, SPAIN

I lost cell service somewhere between the airport and the winding road up to Vestige Son Ermità , but that’s precisely the point of this off-grid hideaway. The 18th-century finca occupies a 2,000-acre estate where the hotel produces its own water and electricity—and much of what landed on my plate at Brisa, the restaurant. At dinner, executive chef Joan Bagur showcased estate-grown produce in dishes like umami-rich langoustine ravioli in cream sauce and a mushroom carpaccio. Within the 10 rooms, wooden beams and centuries-old doors coexist with rainfall showers. The hotel’s buggy whisks guests to wild Cala Calderer Beach, but I opted to lounge at the infinity pool, which I often had all to myself. Gazing south across the island’s untouched interior, I was constantly reminded that the lack of development on Menorca, which has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, has become its greatest luxury. Doubles from $577. — Ryan Craggs

VISTA OSTUNI, PUGLIA, ITALY

The opening of Vista Ostuni , which was a tobacco-sorting factory in its past life, marks a turning point for hospitality in Puglia. It’s one of the first hotels in the area that’s not crammed into an old city center or a farmhouse-style masseria. Instead, this 28-room resort, in the whitewashed village of Ostuni, sprawls across five stories with soaring cross-vault ceilings, cane furniture, and a retro seaside palette of persimmon, ultramarine, and sage. The colonnaded, cloister-like lobby leads out to the Adriatic Sea. Puglian bites shine at Bianca Bistrot, and three pools, plus a violet-tiled spa, round out the experience. And yet, my preferred indulgence was an aperitivo-hour gin and tonic infused with local friggitelli peppers, served at the Rooftop Bar. Doubles from $1,180. —Nicole Trilivas 

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W NEW YORK – UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK

This September, the 26-year-old W New York – Union Square entered a new era as a revived New York City icon. A $100 million, top-to-bottom renovation designed by the Rockwell Group has revived the 1911 Beaux-Arts Guardian Life building into a unique celebration of the buzzy neighborhood that surrounds it. Hyper-local design choices—like light fixtures inspired by Manhattanhenge (the annual event when the sun sets perfectly between the city’s east-to-west streets) and checkerboard accents that pay homage to Union Square Park’s infamous chess players—are just some of the details captured in the guest rooms. Downstairs, the gym is decorated in colorful tiles in tribute to the various subway lines located just outside of the hotel. Food and beverage venues include the Living Room, set in a bold, architectural space with modern furnishings, the nearby Living Room Café, and the newly-opened rooftop bar (which is the only one of its kind in Union Square). The crown jewel of the culinary offerings, though, is Seahorse, a seafood-focused restaurant from Mercer Street Hospitality. “It [Seahorse] channels downtown edge and coastal elegance with a seafood-forward menu that’s as stylish as it is flavorful,” George Fleck, senior vice president and global brand leader of W Hotels, told T+L.  Accessible Hotel. Doubles from $600. —Elizabeth Rhodes

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W PRAGUE

For nearly 140 years, the Grand Hotel Europa has overlooked Prague’s Wenceslas Square. Now, it’s entering a new era as W Prague . The hotel is the brand’s first in the Czech Republic, and the opening is part of W's larger renaissance that has included several new and renovated properties across the globe. A feast for the senses at every turn, the 161-key W Prague combines the meticulously restored Art Nouveau of its predecessor (which looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film) with a whimsical new wing. The contrast in decor is bold and playful, while still honoring the building’s storied past—a combination that is distinctly W. 

This blend shines best through the hotel’s culinary offerings. There’s Minus One, a cocktail bar split between a gorgeous, wood-paneled space with stained-glass windows and carved, arched ceilings, and Le Petit Beefbar au Grand Café. The latter brings the international Beefbar brand to the stunning, historic space that was a Prague hotspot in the 1920s. The W Lounge, Bisou, and the Above Rooftop—with sweeping views of the city—round out the hotel’s food and beverage venues. And just outside, there is plenty to explore, like the National Museum, Old Town, and Charles Bridge, all within walking distance. Accessible Hotel. Doubles from $375. —Elizabeth Rhodes

WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK

Manhattan has its fair share of historic hotels where, in decades past, society wore black tie to swish galas. That old-school magic still exists at the Waldorf Astoria New York , which shines anew on Park Avenue after an eight-year closure and $2-billion glow-up. The 1931 Art Deco monolith welcomes guests with sculptor Nína Sæmundsson’s Spirit of Achievement statue crowning the main entrance and an attentive staff kitted out in blue velvet blazers and sequined dresses. The generously sized rooms—with marble bathrooms and Frette linens—feel sequestered from the public spaces, if a bit corporate. Expect to see New Yorkers and travelers sipping cocktails at the Peacock Alley lounge, touring the elaborate Grand Ballroom, and snapping photos of the hotel’s famed golden clock, commissioned by Queen Victoria for the 1893 World’s Fair. When I visited for Travel + Leisure’s shoot with fashion designer Anine Bing, we lingered at longtime resident Cole Porter’s piano, nicknamed High Society. A pianist comes to play it regularly, serenading newcomers and old fans alike. Doubles from $1,500. —Jacqueline Gifford

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WILDERNESS MAGASHI PENINSULA, AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

If we think of privacy and exclusivity as the gold stars of safari camp offerings, the newest property from Wilderness—the luxury brand with more than 55 camps and lodges in remote natural settings—is truly exceptional. The location of Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the first tick of success: the lodge is in the northeastern corner of Rwanda, through the Akagera National Park, on a private concession, and way out on the very tip of a peninsula jutting into Lake Rwanyakazinga. The location is more savannah than it is the famous forests of Rwanda’s other well-known destinations, and so offers an opportunity for viewing all of the Big 5, including a host of rhinos and lions, and even some leopards. But what frequent and veteran safari goers will really appreciate is the flexibility that comes with such a small camp, on such a wild terrain: the experience is entirely customizable. Once you’ve booked your lakeside accommodation—either one of the two tented suites on property, or the four-bedroom private villa—everything is completely free form. Want to spend all day with the rhinos roaming the park? Can do. Want to enjoy sundowners via boat cruise on the lake? As you prefer! It is the kind of camp, setting, and team that I expect will make it a favorite for repeat visits. Doubles from $2,716. — Chris Wallace

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XUGANA ISLAND LODGE, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

As the boat driver cut through the papyrus-fringed channels of Xugana Lagoon, I noticed a herd of glossy hippos wading in the distance. This scenic route is the only way to get to Xugana Island Lodge , set in the remote reaches of the Okavango Delta in Botswana’s lesser-visited northwestern panhandle. While Xugana was one of the first Delta lodges to open in 1974 as part of the Desert & Delta portfolio, in 2025, the property unveiled a complete rebuild. Now, an airy thatched-roof pavilion houses the dining area and communal lounge, a swimming pool, and 12 spacious suites. The latter feature canopied beds, artwork by local artisans, and en suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor teak showers. There’s also a polished new bar serving gin and tonics made with locally distilled Okavango gin that make for ideal sundowners. Each night of my stay, I took my beverage to the firepit that juts out over the lagoon to watch the sun set and the sky light up. I took in the most epic stargazing of my life while serenaded by the sounds of those same hippos I passed on the way in. Doubles from $1,380. —Regan Stephens

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